Iraqi army takes down suspected Turkish drone over Kirkuk province

Although there have been no immediate reports of casualties, the incident heightened anxieties in the area.

2 min read

Iraq

29 August, 2024

The crash caused damage to several houses in the Tiseen (Ninety) neighbourhood, raising concerns among residents about safety and security. [Getty]

An unidentified drone was downed by the Iraqi army over Kirkuk province early Thursday, according to a police spokesperson who spoke to The New Arab. The drone fell into the garden of a citizen's home near the main market complex adjacent to Kirkuk’s Airport Street, a bustling area known for its commercial activity.

"The Iraqi army's air defence had shot down an unidentified drone that entered Kirkuk province's airspace without prior notice. The air defences fired at the drone, and it crashed within Kirkuk city. It is still unknown which country the drone belongs to. The incident resulted in no casualties, though there was minor damage to some civilian houses," Amr Shwani, spokesperson for Kirkuk Police, told TNA in a brief phone interview.

Civil defence teams quickly responded to the scene to extinguish the fire caused by the crash. The downed drone is believed to be of Turkish origin. Kirkuk police are continuing their investigations to gather more information about the incident.

TNA contacted Major General Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesperson for the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, but he was not immediately available for comment.

The crash caused damage to several houses in the Tiseen (Ninety) neighbourhood, raising concerns among residents about safety and security. Although there have been no immediate reports of casualties, the incident has heightened anxieties in the area.

More details are expected to emerge as the investigation continues.