EXPLOSION ROCKS KURDISTAN OIL FIELD, OPERATIONS SUSPENDED BY U.S. FIRM HKN ENERGY

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Agency Report

A powerful explosion at the Sarang oil field in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region early Tuesday has led to the suspension of operations at the facility, according to HKN Energy, the U.S. company operating the site.

The blast occurred at approximately 7:00 a.m. local time (0400 GMT), HKN Energy said in an official statement. While no casualties were reported, operations at the affected production facility have been halted “until the site is secured.”

The cause of the explosion remains unknown, but it comes amid a recent spike in drone and rocket attacks across Kurdistan, exacerbating tensions in the region. On Monday, three explosive-laden drones struck the area, including two that hit the Khurmala oil field, causing material damage, and one that was intercepted near Arbil International Airport.

Though no group has claimed responsibility for the recent attacks, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) on July 3 accused the Hashed al-Shaabi a powerful coalition of pro-Iran paramilitary groups now officially integrated into Iraq’s armed forces of launching a drone near Arbil airport. The federal government in Baghdad has since rejected the claim.

The explosion also occurs amid ongoing friction between Baghdad and the KRG over energy management. A key oil pipeline linking the Kurdish region to Turkey has been out of operation since 2023 due to legal and technical disputes.

In May, the federal government filed legal complaints against the Kurdistan region for entering into gas contracts with two American firms, including HKN Energy, further straining relations.

HKN Energy has not disclosed when operations at the Sarang field might resume, but officials say a full security assessment is underway.