Sema
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani told the Saudi outlet Asharq News that the KRG has strong indications about who is responsible for the drone strikes targeting the Kurdistan Region since July 14.
“There is an ongoing investigation to identify those behind the attacks. We already have some leads, but I prefer to wait until the official investigation concludes,” Barzani said. “It’s fairly obvious who is responsible, but I won’t name anyone until the findings are finalized.”
He emphasized that KRG security agencies are actively working with the U.S.-led anti-ISIS Coalition and the federal Iraqi government to uncover the perpetrators. “We already have a solid idea, but we want to wait for conclusive results before speaking publicly,” he added.
Barzani also hinted at a possible link between the timing of the drone attacks and the recent energy deals the KRG signed with U.S. firms. “While I can’t speak to the attackers’ motives or timing with certainty, these strikes did begin shortly after our agreements with U.S. energy companies. Whether that connection is direct remains to be confirmed.”
On May 19, 2025, Prime Minister Barzani led a KRG delegation to Washington where they signed multi-billion-dollar contracts with American companies HKN Energy and WesternZagros.
He reiterated the importance of the partnership with the U.S.-led Coalition, stating, “America is our ally. We are sharing intelligence with them, and we welcome their involvement in the investigation, especially since some of the attacked facilities are operated by U.S. firms. Cooperation with the U.S. and Baghdad is natural in this case.
“We’re grateful for any support to help put an end to these attacks,” he said.
Since July 14, approximately 20 drone strikes have hit the Kurdistan Region, several targeting energy infrastructure operated by American companies.
During a phone conversation last Tuesday with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Baghdad to take action and prevent further attacks on energy facilities in the Kurdistan Region.
Barzani also highlighted that the Kurdistan Region remains one of the more secure areas in a volatile region. “Despite the widespread instability across the Middle East, Kurdistan continues to be a place where people from different regions, particularly other parts of Iraq, come seeking safety.”
Still, he cautioned that the danger posed by ISIS hasn’t been eliminated. “There are still ISIS sleeper cells active in areas outside the Kurdistan Region, particularly in Iraq and Syria. They require close surveillance.”
Barzani stressed that the KRG remains committed to working with its partners to prevent ISIS from resurging. “The threat is still very real, and it must be taken seriously,” he concluded.