A drone strike targeted the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Consulate in Iraq’s Kurdish region early Tuesday, causing structural damage to the diplomatic mission but no casualties were reported, according to officials.
The attack occurred in the northern Iraqi city of Erbil, where the UAE maintains a consulate in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. Authorities said the drone struck the consulate building, damaging parts of the facility and nearby structures. However, diplomatic staff and local workers were reported safe.
In a statement, the UAE’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the attack, describing it as a dangerous escalation and a violation of international laws that protect diplomatic premises. The ministry stressed that embassies and consulates must remain safe zones even during times of conflict.
The UAE also called on Iraqi authorities and the Kurdistan regional government to investigate the incident and identify those responsible. Officials said targeting diplomatic missions threatens regional stability and could further escalate tensions across the Middle East.
The drone strike comes amid a rapidly widening regional conflict involving Iran, the United States, and several Middle Eastern states. In recent days, multiple drone and missile attacks have been reported across Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE as tensions escalate.
Regional observers believe the attack may be linked to the broader wave of strikes targeting countries seen as aligned with the United States and its allies. Several Iran-aligned militia groups operating in Iraq have previously launched drone attacks on diplomatic missions and military bases in the region.
Security around diplomatic facilities across the Middle East has been tightened following the incident. Governments in the region have warned that further attacks on embassies and consulates could significantly worsen the already volatile security situation.
Despite the damage to the UAE consulate building, officials said normal diplomatic operations are expected to continue once safety assessments are completed and repairs begin. The incident has nonetheless raised fresh concerns about the safety of foreign missions in Iraq as the regional conflict continues to intensify.
