A rocket attack struck the Khor Mor gas field in the Kurdistan Region late Wednesday, forcing a complete shutdown in production, igniting a storage tank, and causing widespread electricity disruptions across several northern Iraqi provinces, according to statements from Reuters, Rudaw, and local sources.

The attack, which hit a liquid storage tank at the facility in Sulaimani province’s Chamchamal district, caused no casualties but resulted in a significant drop in power generation due to the immediate halt of gas supplies. The field is operated by Pearl Petroleum, a consortium that includes UAE-based Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum.

Joint probe ordered as Baghdad condemns strike

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani condemned the attack during a phone call with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, describing it as “an assault on all of Iraq.”

Both leaders agreed to establish a joint investigative committee to identify and arrest those responsible.

The KRG stated that the attack targeted critical energy infrastructure that plays a crucial role in supplying power to multiple Iraqi provinces.

Production suspended, massive power outages reported

Dana Gas confirmed that production at Khor Mor had been suspended following the rocket strike and that firefighters managed to extinguish the resulting fire in the early hours of Thursday. The company reported no injuries among personnel.

According to the Iraqi electricity ministry, the shutdown caused severe disruptions to the national grid. Ministry spokesperson Ahmed Mousa said the system had lost 1,200 megawatts, affecting electricity supply in Kirkuk, Nineveh, and Salahaddin.

Other estimates—including local engineering sources cited by Reuters—suggest total reductions in power generation could reach 3,000 megawatts across the wider region.

Part of U.S.-Supported expansion project damaged

The targeted storage tank was part of newly installed facilities under the KM250 expansion project, partly financed by the United States and built by a U.S. contractor. The project recently increased production capacity at Khor Mor by 50%, according to Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum.

The attack is the most serious incident since a wave of drone strikes in July that temporarily cut Kurdistan Region oil production by around 150,000 barrels per day.

Concerns over recurring attacks

Attacks on the Kurdistan Region’s energy fields have become more frequent in recent years, with local officials often accusing Iran-backed militias of targeting infrastructure tied to U.S. interests.

Aziz Ahmad, Deputy Chief of Staff to KRG Prime Minister Barzani, criticized Washington’s restrictions on defensive purchases, saying on X:
“How many attacks must happen before the U.S. government allows the KRG to purchase anti-drone equipment to defend our skies and critical infrastructure?”

Despite the incident, authorities said oil production and exports from the region were not affected.

Dana Gas shares declined 1.5% on Thursday following the announcement.(ILKHA)