Drone Strikes Hit Iraqi Gas Fields and Cause Power Failures
Drone attacks on the Khor Mor gas field and other energy sites in the Kurdistan region caused widespread blackouts and halted gas production.
Drone strikes targeted major energy facilities in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq on Sunday, November 8, 2026. The most severe attack hit the Khor Mor gas field, where an explosive-laden drone struck a gas storage facility and ignited a fire. The facility, operated by Dana Gas and Pearl Petroleum, suspended production immediately, forcing crew members into shelters.
The disruption at Khor Mor removed approximately 2,800 megawatts of power, reducing regional electricity output by 70% to 80% and causing widespread blackouts. Other targets included the Khormala and Sarsang oil fields, prompting HKN Energy to temporarily suspend production at Sarsang as a precaution.
While no group has claimed responsibility, security officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government stated preliminary investigations suggest the drones originated from areas controlled by Iran-backed militias. Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered a joint investigation between Baghdad and the Kurdistan region and vowed to ensure armed factions hand over their weapons to the state. The United States Embassy in Baghdad urged the Iraqi government to strengthen control over armed groups to protect critical energy infrastructure.
