Drones intercepted over Erbil after blasts near US consulate
Kurdish authorities said coalition forces stopped eight drones, while security sources reported one explosive-laden drone was shot down.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
1 min read
Air defences intercepted drones over Erbil, Iraq, after explosions were heard near the US consulate, according to Al Jazeera. The incident drew concern because Kurdish authorities said coalition forces stopped eight drones over the city.
Al Jazeera said verified eyewitness footage showed several interceptions in the sky above Erbil. The video, published July 16, 2026, captured blasts overhead as the interceptions took place.
Security sources told Al Jazeera that one drone carrying explosives was shot down. Kurdish authorities separately reported that coalition forces intercepted eight drones, according to the outlet.
The report did not provide further details on the origin of the drones or the extent of any damage. It also did not report casualties.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.