Rocket Attack on Khor Mor Gas Field Disrupts Kurdistan Power
A recent rocket attack on the vital Khor Mor gas field in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region has resulted in widespread power outages, plunging much of the region into darkness. The incident, occurring in late May 2024, underscores the persistent vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure to security threats in a volatile region.
The assault on the gas field, located in the Chamchamal district of Sulaymaniyah province, severely impacted the primary source of natural gas for electricity generation across the Kurdistan Region, affecting millions of residents and numerous businesses.
Background: Kurdistan’s Energy Lifeline Under Threat
The Khor Mor gas field is a cornerstone of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq's (KRI) energy independence and economic stability. Operated by Pearl Petroleum, a consortium led by the UAE's Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum, it is the largest non-associated gas field in Iraq.
Discovered in 2007, Khor Mor rapidly became the main supplier of natural gas to power plants in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Chemchemal, providing a significant portion of the electricity consumed by the region's approximately six million inhabitants. Its strategic importance cannot be overstated; disruptions here have immediate and far-reaching consequences for the KRI's energy grid.
The Significance of Khor Mor
Khor Mor’s gas production fuels the KRI’s power stations, enabling the region to meet a substantial part of its electricity demand. This has been a crucial step towards reducing reliance on imported fuels and bolstering the KRI’s autonomy from the federal government in Baghdad regarding energy policy. The field’s output has steadily increased over the years, with ambitious plans for further expansion to meet growing demand and potentially export gas.
The investment by international companies like Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum represents a significant commitment to the KRI’s economic development, bringing advanced technology and expertise to the region. This foreign investment is also a testament to the perceived stability and potential of the KRI, despite the broader regional challenges.
A History of Targeted Attacks
The recent attack is not an isolated incident but rather the latest in a series of assaults targeting the Khor Mor gas field. The facility has been a recurring target for rocket and drone attacks over the past few years, highlighting its strategic vulnerability and the complex security landscape of Iraq.
Previous attacks have often been attributed to Iran-backed militias operating within Iraq, though direct responsibility is rarely claimed. These groups typically seek to undermine the KRI’s economic independence, exert pressure on the KRG, or send political messages to the United States and its allies, whose interests are often perceived to align with the KRI’s.
Timeline of Previous Incidents
June 2022: Several rockets struck the Khor Mor field, causing minor damage but no casualties. The attacks prompted temporary halts in operations and raised concerns about worker safety and investment security.
July 2022: Another barrage of rockets hit the facility, leading to a temporary suspension of gas production. This incident was particularly disruptive, forcing the KRG to increase reliance on other, more costly power sources.
September 2023: Drones were reportedly used in an attack attempt, intercepted by air defenses. While no significant damage occurred, it signaled an evolution in the tactics employed by perpetrators.
Early 2024: Minor incidents involving suspected drone overflights or distant rocket impacts near the facility continued to be reported, maintaining a climate of apprehension among operators and security personnel.
These repeated attacks illustrate a pattern of deliberate targeting aimed at disrupting the KRI's energy sector. They also underscore the limitations of existing security measures, prompting calls for more robust protection of critical infrastructure.
Geopolitical Context
The attacks on Khor Mor are set against a backdrop of complex regional geopolitics. Iraq remains a battleground for proxy conflicts, primarily between the United States and Iran. Iran-backed militias, often operating under the umbrella of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), wield significant influence in parts of Iraq and have frequently targeted facilities perceived as linked to US interests or those that challenge their influence.
The KRI, while semi-autonomous, is not immune to these broader regional dynamics. Its close ties with Western nations and its independent energy policy are sometimes viewed with suspicion by factions aligned with Iran. The KRI’s attempts to establish itself as a reliable energy exporter also challenge the existing energy power dynamics within Iraq and the broader region.
Key Developments: The Latest Assault
The most recent attack on the Khor Mor gas field occurred in the late evening hours of May 28, 2024. Multiple rockets, believed to be Katyusha-style projectiles, struck various sections of the facility, causing significant damage to crucial operational units.
Eyewitnesses in nearby Chamchamal reported hearing several loud explosions emanating from the direction of the gas field. Security forces were immediately mobilized, sealing off the area and commencing an initial damage assessment.
Details of the Attack
Initial reports from KRG security officials indicated that at least three rockets impacted the Khor Mor facility. One rocket reportedly struck a gas processing unit, while another hit near a storage tank. The third projectile landed in an open area within the perimeter, but close enough to cause shrapnel damage to nearby structures.
The immediate consequence was a significant fire at one of the processing units, which required several hours to bring under control by the facility’s emergency response teams. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties among the staff or security personnel, a testament to the robust safety protocols in place and perhaps some element of luck.
Pearl Petroleum confirmed the attack, stating that operations were immediately suspended for safety reasons and to assess the full extent of the damage. This automatic shutdown mechanism, while crucial for safety, instantly cut off the gas supply to the power plants.
Official Reactions and Attribution
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) swiftly condemned the attack, labeling it a “terrorist act” aimed at destabilizing the region and undermining its economy. KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called for immediate and decisive action from both KRG and Iraqi federal security forces to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.
The KRG Ministry of Natural Resources issued a statement emphasizing the severe impact on electricity supply and reiterated its commitment to protecting vital infrastructure. They also called upon the international community to condemn these acts and support efforts to enhance security.
While no group immediately claimed responsibility, KRG security officials and analysts quickly pointed fingers at “outlaw groups” or “Iran-backed militias” operating from areas outside KRG control, specifically referencing regions in Kirkuk and Salahaddin provinces where such groups have a presence. These accusations are consistent with past patterns of attacks.
The Iraqi federal government, while condemning the attack, maintained a more cautious stance on attribution, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation. Federal security forces reportedly launched their own inquiry and initiated increased patrols in areas suspected as launch points for such attacks. However, concrete action against the alleged perpetrators has historically been challenging due to the complex political and military landscape involving various armed factions.
Repair Efforts and Initial Assessments
Following the cessation of immediate threats and the extinguishing of the fire, Pearl Petroleum engineers, supported by international experts, began a detailed assessment of the damage. Initial reports indicated extensive damage to some gas processing equipment and related infrastructure, necessitating significant repair work.
The company announced that emergency teams were working around the clock to restore operations as quickly and safely as possible. However, the nature of the damage suggested that a full return to pre-attack production levels would take several days, if not longer, depending on the availability of specialized parts and the complexity of the repairs.
Security concerns also played a role in the pace of repairs. Ensuring the safety of the repair crews and preventing further attacks became a paramount consideration, requiring enhanced security measures around the facility during the restoration period.
Impact: Widespread Disruption and Economic Strain
The most immediate and tangible impact of the attack was the severe disruption to electricity supply across the Kurdistan Region. With the primary source of natural gas for power generation abruptly cut off, power plants struggled to maintain operations, leading to extensive blackouts.
Electricity Blackouts Across the KRI
Within hours of the attack, major cities including Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Duhok experienced significant reductions in electricity supply. Most areas were left with only a few hours of state-provided electricity per day, a drastic reduction from the already intermittent supply that often characterizes the region.
For residents, this meant a return to reliance on private generators, which are costly and contribute to noise and air pollution. Households and businesses that could afford it scrambled to activate their generators, incurring additional expenses for fuel and maintenance. Those without access to generators faced prolonged periods without power, affecting basic daily activities.
The timing of the attack, particularly as summer approaches with rising temperatures, exacerbates the hardship. Air conditioning units and refrigerators become essential, and without reliable power, the quality of life for millions significantly deteriorates. Hospitals and critical infrastructure, while often equipped with backup power, faced increased strain and operational challenges.
Economic Repercussions
The economic fallout from the attack extends beyond the immediate cost of repairs. Pearl Petroleum faces significant production losses, impacting its revenue and potentially its long-term investment plans in the region. The cost of repairs, estimated to be in the millions of dollars, will be a direct hit to the company and indirectly to the KRI’s economy, which benefits from its operations.
Businesses across the KRI were severely affected. Manufacturing plants, retail stores, and service industries reliant on a consistent power supply faced disruptions, reduced productivity, and financial losses. Small and medium-sized enterprises, which often operate on thin margins, are particularly vulnerable to such shocks.
The increased reliance on private generators also translates into higher operating costs for businesses, further eroding profitability. This situation can deter new investments and potentially lead to job losses in sectors heavily impacted by the power crisis. The KRI’s reputation as a stable and attractive destination for foreign investment also takes a hit with each such attack.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
Beyond the economic and infrastructural damage, the attack has a significant humanitarian and social toll. Access to clean water, which often relies on electrically powered pumps, can be compromised during prolonged outages. Healthcare facilities, even with backup power, face challenges in maintaining optimal conditions for patients and equipment.
The psychological impact on the population is also considerable. Repeated disruptions to essential services foster a sense of insecurity and frustration. Children’s education can be affected, as online learning becomes difficult without reliable power and lighting for studying is scarce in the evenings.
The KRG, already grappling with financial challenges and outstanding disputes with Baghdad, faces immense pressure to restore services and ensure the safety of its citizens. The attack further strains public trust and highlights the government’s ongoing struggle to provide basic services in a secure environment.
Political Ramifications
Internally, the attack has intensified criticism of the KRG’s security apparatus and its ability to protect critical infrastructure. Political factions within the KRI have called for greater accountability and more effective strategies to counter these threats. The incident could exacerbate existing political tensions between the ruling parties in the KRI.
Regionally, the attack further complicates relations between Erbil and Baghdad. While both governments condemned the act, the KRG often feels that Baghdad does not do enough to control militias operating in federal territories adjacent to the KRI. This fuels calls for greater security cooperation and intelligence sharing, which are often hampered by political mistrust.
Internationally, the incident drew condemnation from the United Nations and several diplomatic missions, reiterating calls for stability and protection of civilian infrastructure. However, concrete international intervention beyond statements remains limited, leaving the KRG to navigate these complex security challenges largely on its own.
What Next: Restoration, Security, and Dialogue
The immediate priority following the attack is the full restoration of gas supply from Khor Mor and, consequently, the return of stable electricity to the Kurdistan Region. This process is multi-faceted, involving technical repairs, enhanced security measures, and ongoing investigations.
Repair and Restoration Efforts
Pearl Petroleum has mobilized its technical teams to expedite repairs. The company is working to assess the full extent of the damage to critical processing units and pipelines. Specialized equipment and parts may need to be sourced internationally, which could add to the repair timeline.
The restoration process is likely to be phased. Initially, efforts will focus on bringing essential units back online to resume partial gas flow to the power plants. Full restoration to pre-attack capacity may take longer, potentially weeks, depending on the severity of the damage to complex machinery. The KRG has urged the company to work as quickly as possible, recognizing the acute impact on the population.
Contingency plans are also being reviewed, including the possibility of utilizing alternative, albeit more expensive, fuel sources for power plants in the interim, or importing electricity from neighboring regions if feasible. These options, however, are often short-term and financially unsustainable.
Enhanced Security Measures and Investigations
Both KRG and Iraqi federal security forces have launched investigations into the attack. The goal is to identify the exact launch points of the rockets, the groups responsible, and their logistical support networks. However, past experience suggests that definitively attributing responsibility and prosecuting perpetrators in Iraq’s fragmented security environment is extremely challenging.
In response to the attack, security around the Khor Mor gas field is expected to be significantly bolstered. This could involve increased military patrols, deployment of additional surveillance technologies, and potentially the establishment of a wider security perimeter. Discussions are likely ongoing regarding the implementation of more advanced air defense systems to counter rocket and drone threats, although such systems are costly and require specialized training.
There is also a pressing need for improved intelligence sharing and coordination between KRG forces (Peshmerga and Asayish) and Iraqi federal forces (Army, PMF). Bridging the trust deficit and establishing effective joint security mechanisms in disputed territories, where many of these attacks originate, is crucial for long-term protection.
Political Dialogue and Regional Stability
The attack serves as a stark reminder of the fragile security situation in Iraq and the need for sustained political dialogue. The KRG will likely intensify its calls for Baghdad to take more decisive action against armed groups operating outside state control, particularly those implicated in targeting KRI interests.
International actors, including the United States and the United Nations, are expected to continue to advocate for de-escalation and greater stability in Iraq. They may also push for renewed dialogue between Erbil and Baghdad on outstanding issues, including revenue sharing, disputed territories, and security cooperation, as these broader political disputes often create an environment conducive to such attacks.
For the KRI, the incident reinforces the challenges of achieving true energy independence and economic self-sufficiency amidst regional volatility. It underscores the need for diversification of energy sources and continued efforts to strengthen its institutions and security capabilities.
Long-term Outlook for Energy and Investment
The repeated targeting of Khor Mor raises serious questions about the long-term viability of significant foreign investment in the KRI’s energy sector. International companies require a secure and predictable operating environment. Persistent attacks erode investor confidence, potentially hindering future expansion projects and diverting much-needed capital.
The KRG’s ambition to become a regional energy hub and potentially export gas to Turkey and Europe faces significant hurdles as long as critical infrastructure remains vulnerable. Ensuring the security of its energy assets is paramount not only for domestic consumption but also for its broader geopolitical and economic aspirations.
Ultimately, the future stability of the Khor Mor gas field, and indeed the wider KRI energy sector, depends on a concerted effort to address the root causes of insecurity in Iraq. This includes reigning in armed groups, fostering genuine cooperation between federal and regional authorities, and building a more stable political environment that prioritizes national interests over factional agendas.
