Iraq Downs Turkish Drone Over Kirkuk

Iraq's air defenses downed a Turkish drone over Kirkuk, causing a fire with no casualties. An Iraqi military statement confirmed the drone's origin but did not specify if Iraqi defenses were responsible. Coordination between Iraq and Turkey is ongoing to clarify the incident details.

Iraq's air defenses shot down a Turkish drone on Thursday in Iraqi air space over the northern city of Kirkuk, four police and army sources confirmed.

The incident resulted in a fire near residential houses in Kirkuk's center, although no casualties were reported. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control. An Iraqi military statement affirmed the drone's Turkish origin but offered no details on whether Iraqi defenses were explicitly responsible.

Earlier, an anonymous Iraqi military colonel indicated that initial investigations of the debris confirmed it was a Turkish military armed drone. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli reiterated the Iraqi military's statement on X, adding that coordination efforts are ongoing with Iraqi authorities to elucidate all aspects of the incident. Despite not confirming the drone's origin, Keceli emphasized Turkey's continuing fight against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militant group in Iraqi territory.

(With inputs from agencies.)