Drone Attack Kills Four at Khor Mor Gas Field in Iraq, Disrupting Power Supply

On April 27, 2024, a drone attack targeted the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan region, killing at least four foreign workers and causing severe damage to the facility. The attack, which struck a fuel storage tank at around 6:45 pm local time, disrupted gas supplies to power plants in the region, resulting in the loss of approximately 2,500 megawatts of electricity.

The Kurdistan regional government strongly condemned the attack, with spokesperson Peshawa Hawramani calling it a "terrorist act" and urging the federal government in Baghdad to find the perpetrators. "These repeated attacks must stop, as they are causing power shortages in the region," Hawramani stated. The regional President denounced the attack on the gas field, emphasizing that such attacks threaten the peace and stability of the country.

The Khor Mor gas field, located between the cities of Kirkuk and Sulaimaniyah, is being developed by the UAE's Dana Gas company. This marks the second attack on the facility this year, following a similar incident in January 2024 that temporarily halted production and caused power shortages. No group has claimed responsibility for either attack.

Why this matters: The attack on the Khor Mor gas field highlights the ongoing security challenges faced by Iraq's energy infrastructure, particularly in the Kurdistan region. The disruption of gas supplies and resulting power shortages underscore the need for improved security measures to protect critical facilities and ensure a stable energy supply for the region's population.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani has directed the establishment of an investigative committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. Efforts are currently underway to repair the damage and restore gas supply to the affected power plants. The incident has raised concerns about the vulnerability of Iraq's energy sector to such attacks and the potential impact on the country's already strained electricity grid.

Key Takeaways

• Drone attack on Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's Kurdistan, killing 4 workers.
• Attack disrupted gas supplies, causing 2,500 MW power loss in the region.
• Kurdistan govt condemned attack as "terrorist act", urged federal govt investigation.
• This was the second attack on the facility in 2024, no group claimed responsibility.
• Iraqi PM ordered probe, efforts underway to repair damage and restore gas supply.