Explosions near US Consulate in Erbil as drones intercepted

Multiple explosions were heard late Tuesday near the US Consulate and in the Serbesti neighborhood in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, as Iran's retaliatory campaign against US-Israeli attacks continues. Air defense systems were activated amid an attack involving suicide drones, with local media reporting that the drones were intercepted and neutralized. There has been no statement so far from the Kurdish Regional Government on the incident.

Pattern of attacks

Explosions have been reported daily in Erbil since Iran began retaliatory actions against US and Israeli attacks, with air defense systems frequently engaged. The Iraqi Kurdish capital hosts significant US diplomatic and military presence, making it a recurring target in Iran's campaign against American assets in the region.

Conflict context

Israel and the US have continued joint attacks on Iran since Feb. 28, killing around 1,300 people according to Iranian authorities, including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and more than 150 schoolgirls. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.

Regional escalation

The Erbil attack is part of broader regional escalation that has seen Iran target US-linked facilities across multiple countries. The US has maintained significant military presence in Iraq, and Iranian-backed groups have historically targeted American interests in the country. Tuesday's attack follows similar incidents in recent weeks as the conflict shows no signs of abating.