Drone strike targets US consulate in Erbil amid US pressure on Iraq over Iran-backed militias
ERBIL, IRAQ: Iran-backed Iraqi militias said a drone attack was launched at the US Consulate in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, in the latest escalation of regional tensions.
A media outlet aligned with the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) reported that the strike targeted the diplomatic facility.
There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties, though the consulate has faced repeated threats during the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
US strikes target militia positions
Earlier Monday, the Popular Mobilization Forces said its fighters were hit by multiple US airstrikes. These reportedly included a strike on an intelligence headquarters and several others near Haliwa Airport in southern Iraq.
The group claimed no fatalities resulted from the attacks, though the strikes mark a continued pattern of US military action against Iran-aligned factions operating in Iraq.
The United States Department of State said Iranian-backed militias carried out “egregious attacks” overnight on US diplomatic facilities in Iraq, accusing them of attempting to kill American personnel.
In remarks to CBS News, a State Department spokesperson said the incidents were part of a broader surge in attacks in recent weeks targeting US citizens, regional partners, and Iraqi institutions, including in the Kurdistan region.
US urges Iraq to rein in armed groups
The State Department renewed its call for Baghdad to take decisive action against militia groups operating within its borders.
Washington has “consistently urged the Iraqi government to immediately live up to its responsibility” to prevent such attacks, the spokesperson said, warning that US forces would act to defend personnel and facilities if necessary.
The US has also offered monetary rewards for information on planned or past attacks against its diplomatic missions worldwide, underscoring growing concern over the expanding threat landscape.
The exchange of strikes and counter-strikes highlights the fragile security situation in Iraq, where Iran-backed militias continue to wield significant influence.
With attacks targeting both military and diplomatic sites, the risk of further escalation remains high, particularly as Washington signals it may take unilateral action if Baghdad fails to contain armed proxy groups.
