In a targeted attack on Wednesday evening, a suicide drone aimed at US-led global coalition forces was successfully intercepted and shot down over Erbil International Airport, as reported by Erbil-based Kurdish counterterrorism forces. The incident occurred at 20:58 pm, with the drone launched by illegal militias attempting to strike the military base of the international coalition against the Islamic State (ISIS).

The Directorate General of Counter Terrorism (CTD), also known as Kurdistan CT, confirmed that the explosive-laden drone was neutralized, preventing any casualties or material damages. Despite the attempted attack, Erbil International Airport remains secure.

Responsibility for the drone attack was claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a network of shadow Iraqi militia groups backed by Iran and affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). In a statement published on its Telegram channel, the pro-Iran militia group asserted its involvement in the attack.

This incident adds to a series of retaliatory actions by Iran-aligned militias targeting coalition bases in Iraq and Syria. Since mid-October, these militias have launched rockets and drones over 100 times in response to perceived US support for Israel during the conflict with the Gaza Strip.

In retaliation, US forces have conducted multiple strikes targeting militia groups responsible for the attacks. The Iraqi government has strongly condemned these retaliatory actions, describing them as a violation of its sovereignty and targeting state security forces.

The pressure on the Iraqi government has intensified, with pro-Iran political parties and militias advocating for the expulsion of coalition forces from the country. This comes in the aftermath of an American drone strike targeting the Popular Mobilization Forces’ (PMF) Harakat al-Nujaba in Baghdad, resulting in casualties, including the former commander of al-Nujaba, Abu Taqwa.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani announced the government's intention to establish a committee to expel the international coalition from the country. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has held the federal government responsible for the attacks, attributing them to government-linked "outlaw" groups.

As tensions escalate, the international coalition, consisting of around 2,500 American troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, continues its mission through Operation Inherent Resolve. In a recent meeting with coalition commander Major General Joel B. Vowell, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani emphasized the importance of the coalition's ongoing efforts in the country. The situation remains fluid, with regional dynamics and security concerns shaping the trajectory of events in the region.