Deadly Riot in Erbil Follows Attack on Khor Mor Gas Field, Production Restarts
Recent tensions in Iraq's northern Erbil governorate escalated with a violent incident, as "rioters" reportedly opened fire on fuel tanker trucks, resulting in one fatality and several injuries. Kurdish authorities have explicitly linked this deadly shooting to a prior rocket attack on the crucial Khor Mor gas field, one of the region's largest energy facilities.
Khor Mor Gas Field Targeted
Days before the shooting, the Khor Mor gas field was hit by a rocket attack late on Wednesday. This significant assault damaged a storage tank, leading to an immediate shutdown of production and widespread power outages across the region. In response to the energy crisis, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) dispatched liquid fuel to power plants. However, the KRG's Ministry of Interior stated that "a group of rioters blocked the road used by fuel tankers and civilians in Gwer, opening fire on passersby and travellers," causing the death and injuries. The ministry has vowed to take decisive action against these "acts of sabotage.">
Earlier Clashes Reported
Earlier reports from the Iraqi News Agency had also detailed armed clashes in Erbil, specifically near the village of Lajan on the Erbil-Gwer road, involving the Harkiya tribe and security forces close to the Lanaz Company refinery, which also reportedly resulted in casualties.
KRG's Swift Response and International Implications
Amid these escalating security concerns, Iraqi Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani announced a swift resolution to the energy crisis. He confirmed an agreement with Dana Gas, the operator of the Khor Mor gas field, to resume production within hours, thereby restoring electricity to the affected areas. Barzani highlighted the "extraordinary resilience and determination" of Dana Gas's leadership and workforce, who have endured eleven attacks on the Khor Mor field. He also called upon Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to ensure that those responsible for the latest attack are held fully accountable under the law, regardless of their identity or location.
The recent Thursday attack on Khor Mor marks the most severe violence since a series of drone assaults in July, which previously cut production by approximately 150,000 barrels per day. While there has been no immediate claim of responsibility, a military expert, Abdulkhaliq Talaat, suggested on Rudaw news that the drone attack originated from an area under the control of Iraqi forces. An industry source further revealed that the damaged storage tank at Khor Mor is part of new facilities partially funded by the U.S. and constructed by a U.S. contractor, underscoring significant American investment in the energy sector of northern Iraq, where the KRG maintains substantial autonomy.