A drone strike set the Sarsang oil field in Iraq’s Dohuk province ablaze on Tuesday, marking the latest assault on northern Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region’s energy infrastructure. The attack, which caused no casualties but significant damage, forced U.S.-based operator HKN Energy Ltd. to suspend operations, with emergency teams battling to contain the fire. The cause remains under investigation, and no group has claimed responsibility.

The strike coincided with Iraq’s signing of a preliminary agreement with HKN Energy for investment in the Hamrin oil field in Salahuddin province, highlighting the strategic importance of the region’s energy sector. The Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Natural Resources condemned the attack as “an act of terrorism” targeting vital economic infrastructure, following a similar drone strike on the Khurmala oil field in Erbil province on Monday, which damaged water pipelines.

Tensions between Baghdad and Kurdish authorities have intensified, with the Kurdish government urging federal action to prevent further attacks and hold perpetrators accountable. Earlier this month, Kurdish officials accused the Popular Mobilization Forces, Iran-allied militias under Iraqi military control, of orchestrating similar strikes, a claim the Iraqi army dismissed as baseless.

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The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad condemned the attacks, urging Iraq to curb armed groups targeting sites with international investments. Posts on X reflect speculation of Iran-backed militia involvement, though unconfirmed, amid heightened regional friction following last month’s Israel-Iran conflict.

Iraq’s oil infrastructure remains a critical economic lifeline, with the Sarsang field’s disruption raising concerns about regional stability and global oil markets, though no immediate supply impacts were reported.

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