Kurdistan Region hit by 638 drones, missiles since start of Iran war

Rudaw

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The Kurdistan Region has come under 638 drone and missile attacks since the start of the war between the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28, leaving 14 people dead and 93 others injured, according to Rudaw’s monitoring on Saturday.

The majority of the attacks have targeted Erbil and its surroundings, underscoring the province’s strategic importance and its vulnerability amid escalating regional tensions.

Since the outbreak of the conflict, the Kurdistan Region has faced near-daily aerial threats, with a total of 635 drones and missiles recorded earlier, rising to 638 by noon on April 4. More than 500 of those projectiles were directed at Erbil alone.

By province, the attacks break down as follows:

  • Erbil province: 507 drones and missiles
  • Sulaimani province: 104 drones and missiles
  • Duhok province: 25 drones and missiles
  • Halabja province: 2 drones

The attacks come amid a wider regional escalation, as Iran and its allies exchange fire with US and Israeli forces. The Kurdistan Region, long seen as a relatively stable part of Iraq, has increasingly found itself caught in the crossfire.

Despite the intensity of the strikes, many incoming drones and missiles have been intercepted before reaching their targets, particularly around Erbil International Airport, where coalition forces are stationed. However, several attacks have still resulted in casualties and material damage. 
Seven drones were intercepted in the early hours of Saturday near Erbil International Airport.

Loud explosions were also reported in multiple areas. In Koya, an explosion was heard but its nature remains unclear. In the Choman district within the Soran administration, three blasts were recorded, with a senior official saying the projectiles likely fell in open areas and may have originated from across the Iranian border.

Another large explosion was heard in Sulaimani around 3:00 am, though authorities have yet to confirm whether it was caused by a drone or a missile.

On Friday evening, seven missiles and two drones targeted Azadi Camp in Koya district, according to a source from the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), though no casualties were reported.