Iraqi air defenses intercept drone near US consulate in Erbil

Iraqi air defense systems intercepted and downed a drone near the US consulate in Erbil, in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, on Saturday, according to security officials cited by Reuters.

Initial reports indicated there were no casualties or property damage, and no group has claimed responsibility for the incident so far.

The incident comes amid rising regional tensions between Washington and Tehran, and follows a series of recent attacks near the diplomatic mission. Security forces have since heightened alert levels and implemented extra measures to protect the area. Some previous breaches in the vicinity have temporarily disrupted air traffic at Erbil airport.