By | Dr. Nazaket Hussen
Drone and missile attacks have become a near-daily occurrence over the Kurdistan Region, falling like a dust shower across civilian and strategic areas. These ongoing strikes serve multiple purposes, each carrying deep political, economic, and security implications.
At their core, the attacks underscore the fragility of the state and the growing dominance of uncontrolled political factions and illegal armed groups in Iraq. The recent strike on Sarsank reveals three critical indicators:
1. Technological and security vulnerability – The attacks demonstrate the technical superiority of the aggressors and expose the inability of Iraqi and regional security forces to prevent them.
2. Economic disruption – The strikes appear designed to reduce the Kurdistan Region’s internal oil production capacity, thereby limiting its economic independence and market presence.
3. Political pressure – Perhaps the most strategic goal, the attacks carry clear political messages aimed at undermining the Kurdistan Region’s position and autonomy within Iraq.
Despite the serious impact of these attacks, it is notable that the United States has not sanctioned SOMO, Iraq’s state oil marketing company, which continues to sell oil while the Kurdistan Region grapples with the psychological and economic fallout. This silence raises concerns, as the harm inflicted on the Kurdistan Region affects not only its economy and internal stability, but also regional energy security.
From a global standpoint, undermining the Kurdistan Region’s role in energy supply chains damages broader efforts to help bridge gaps in the world’s energy resources—especially during global crises. What happens in Kurdistan has consequences beyond its borders.
Responsibility for these attacks ultimately lies with the Iraqi federal government, regardless of who launches them. As the sovereign authority, it bears the duty to protect its territories and people. Failure to do so not only weaken state credibility but also increases the risk of internal conflict. If drone incursions continue unchecked, Iraq could face a renewed civil conflict, one potentially triggered by these repeated violations of sovereignty and silence in response.