Drone Strikes Disrupt Oil Output in Kurdistan Amid Ongoing Baghdad-Erbil Dispute

Drone Strikes Disrupt Oil Output in Kurdistan Amid Ongoing Baghdad-Erbil Dispute
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Drone attacks on five oil fields in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region between July 14 and 16 have severely disrupted energy production, cutting output by 70%, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW). The strikes, attributed to unidentified groups, halted approximately 220,000 barrels per day. While no casualties were reported, the damage highlights rising tensions between Baghdad and Erbil over control of oil revenues.

The attacks come as Baghdad continues to withhold federal funds designated for public sector salaries in the Kurdistan Region, a move that began in May. HRW called on both governments to investigate the attacks and ensure regular salary payments, warning that service disruptions in education and healthcare have worsened.

The Khor Mor gas field—vital for regional electricity generation—has been targeted at least nine times since 2023. A 2024 strike killed four workers and temporarily halted operations. Despite promises from Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, investigations into these incidents remain unpublished, and no accountability has been established.

A temporary agreement reached on July 17 between Baghdad and Erbil allowed the resumption of oil exports and partial salary payments for May. However, salaries for June and July remain unpaid. Over the past decade, Kurdistan’s educators have faced chronic salary delays, leading to repeated strikes, including a six-month walkout by nearly 60,000 teachers in late 2023.

HRW urged both governments to protect critical infrastructure and uphold economic and social rights, emphasizing that unresolved political disputes continue to harm civilians’ access to essential services.