Efforts underway to resume operations at Khor Mor gas field

Moment of the attack. Photo: Exclusive to Channel8

The Iraqi Kurdish ministries overseeing electricity and natural resources have announced their efforts to collaborate with partners in restoring operations at the Khor Mor gas field in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

This initiative comes in response to the suspension of output following a fatal drone attack.

The Kurdish regional government revealed that the attack, which occurred late on Friday, resulted in the tragic deaths of at least four Yemeni workers, with two others sustaining injuries. Additionally, the interruption in gas supplies to power plants led to a substantial decrease of approximately 2,500 MW in power generation capacity.

Notably, the UAE reiterated its support towards Iraq in combating terrorism, highlighting its dedication to bolstering security and stability in the region. This affirmation was conveyed through a statement released in response to the recent events.

The frequency of drone and rocket attacks in Iraq has escalated since the commencement of Israel’s conflict in Gaza in October. Predominantly aimed at military bases housing troops affiliated with a U.S-led coalition, these attacks have been attributed to the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of hardline pro-Iran militias.

The incident on Friday further underscores the prevailing security challenges in the oil-rich nation. The location of the Khor Mor gas field near territories under Iraqi jurisdiction and Kirkuk province—known for its disputed status between Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of Kurdistan—adds complexity to the situation.

Given the significance of natural resources in the region, particularly as a cornerstone of Kurdish aspirations for autonomy since the civil strife of the 1990s, efforts to restore normalcy at the Khor Mor gas field remain crucial.