World

Kurdistan's Oilfields Face Production Shutdown Following Drone Attacks

2025-07-16

Author: Liam

Dramatic Drone Strikes Disrupt Oil Operations in Kurdistan

In a shocking turn of events, several oilfields in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region have come to a standstill after a series of drone attacks targeting key infrastructure. Just hours before a crucial deal was to be signed, the Sarsang oilfield, managed by U.S.-based HKN Energy, had to suspend operations due to an explosive drone strike.

HKN Energy confirmed that while production at the Sarsang field is halted, fortunately, all personnel have been safely accounted for.

Further Attacks Raise Concerns

The threat escalated on Wednesday, with drone assaults reported on facilities operated by Norway's DNO and U.S. Hunt Oil Company. DNO revealed that explosions at their Tawke field caused a temporary shutdown of operations. Preliminary assessments of the damage are underway, but thankfully, no casualties have been reported.

Mystery Surrounds the Perpetrators

As investigations progress, no groups have yet claimed responsibility for these aggressive acts. However, security sources in Kurdistan indicated that the drones might have originated from areas controlled by Iranian-backed militias, raising alarms over regional tensions.

Political Strife Compounds the Crisis

This production halt unfolds amid ongoing disputes between the Kurdish regional government in Erbil and Iraq's federal government in Baghdad over control of oil exports and revenue sharing. Baghdad insists on having exclusive authority over oil management, which complicates the already tense situation.

Kurdistan's oil exports have been largely shut down for nearly two and a half years due to these ongoing disagreements, despite some recent negotiations suggesting potential dialogue. The latest attacks only add to the uncertainty surrounding the region's vital oil industry.