Rocket Attack at Kirkuk Airport Leaves One Injured; Flight Operations Unaffected

INA

Areas near the Kirkuk International Airport.

The administration of Kirkuk International Airport has reported that one individual sustained minor injuries following the impact of three rockets of unknown origin, which struck both the military and civilian sections of the airport. Authorities have emphasised that the incident will not disrupt the airport’s flight schedule.

In an official statement received by PUKMEDIA, the airport administration detailed: “At 11:30 p.m. on Monday, three rockets of unidentified origin were launched, with two landing on the military side and one on the civilian side of the airport. The attack caused a fire in the grass near the military gate, which was promptly extinguished by the dedicated team from the Kirkuk International Airport Fire Department.”

The administration further clarified that, aside from one person sustaining minor injuries, there was no damage to the runway and all airport facilities remain fully operational.

A swift response was undertaken by the Kirkuk Operations Command and security units stationed in the vicinity, who were deployed across the airport area. Officials confirmed that there is currently no ongoing threat and reiterated that flight operations will proceed as scheduled.

In a related incident, another rocket struck a house in the Al-Uruba neighbourhood of Kirkuk, resulting in material damage but no reported casualties.

Shortly after the attacks, Kirkuk Governor Rebwar Taha visited the damaged property in Al-Uruba to assess the welfare of its residents. In a brief statement to the press, Governor Taha remarked: “Security forces and relevant authorities are actively investigating the incident. It is premature to comment further at this stage.”

According to Shafaq News, the rockets are newly manufactured and were identified as a long-range 122mm Grad rocket produced in 2023.

The military zone of Kirkuk Airport serves as a base for the Iraqi Army, federal police, and the Hashed al-Shaabi—a coalition of former pro-Iranian paramilitary groups now incorporated into Iraq’s official security forces.
 
No group has claimed responsibility for the rocket strikes.

Iraq has endured numerous rocket and drone attacks over recent years, often linked to ongoing political and military tensions in the region.

Just last week, hours before a ceasefire concluded a 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel, unidentified drones targeted radar systems at military bases in Baghdad and southern Iraq. 



PUKMEDIA