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Drone intercepted near Masoud Barzani's residence in Erbil — second KRG leader targeted in 24 hours
·Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Air defenses intercepted a drone near the Erbil residence of Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), according to security sources. Second KRG leader targeted in 24 hours: Nechirvan Barzani's Duhok residence was struck Day 29. Attribution points to Iranian-backed Iraqi militia.
Air defenses shot down a drone near the residence of Masoud Barzani, leader of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and son of former Iraqi Kurdish President Mustafa Barzani, in Erbil. Security sources told Reuters. The attack follows the Day 29 drone strike on the Duhok residence of Nechirvan Barzani (KRG president, different person) — making this the second attack on a KRG/KDP leadership figure in less than 24 hours. The pattern is clear: Iranian-backed Iraqi militia (PMF/Kataib Hezbollah or affiliated groups) are systematically targeting KRG/KDP leadership figures, likely in response to Kurdish cooperation with or tolerance of US and Israeli operations in the region, and to deter the KRG from allowing Kurdish fighters to participate in any anti-Iran campaign. Masoud Barzani is the most influential Kurdish political figure in Iraq; his family has led the KDP for decades.
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Actor responses
No claim of responsibility. Attribution to IRGC-backed Iraqi militia consistent with Day 29 Duhok pattern — systematic targeting of KRG leadership to deter Kurdish alignment with US/Israel.
KRG air defenses intercepted the drone — unlike Nechirvan's Duhok residence which was hit undefended. Drone successfully downed before reaching Masoud Barzani's home.
Sources