The Khor Mor gas field in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region was hit by a drone strike late Sunday, November 8, 2026, forcing production to stop and disrupting the gas supply used by regional power plants.
The attack struck the facility in Chamchamal district in Sulaymaniyah province, where smoke and fire were reported after an explosive-laden drone or other projectile hit a gas storage and loading area.
No casualties had been reported in the initial accounts, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.
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Khor Mor attack cuts gas supplies to power plants
The Khor Mor field is a major source of natural gas for electricity generation in the Kurdistan Region and also supplies gas-related products for households and industry.
Kurdish electricity authorities said the interruption reduced available electricity generation by roughly 2,500 to 2,800 megawatts, according to a Kurdistan Regional Government electricity statement.
The loss represents a significant shock for a regional power system that normally depends heavily on Khor Mor gas to operate major generating stations.
Officials warned that the disruption could affect electricity supplies in parts of Erbil, Duhok and Sulaymaniyah, along with other areas connected to the regional grid.
The full extent of the physical damage was not immediately clear.
Technical teams are expected to inspect the site after the fire is brought under control and determine whether pipelines, storage equipment or other production infrastructure require repairs.
Investigation ordered after strike
Iraqi authorities ordered a joint investigation with officials from the Kurdistan Regional Government to establish how the attack was carried out and identify those responsible.
Early reports differed on whether the facility was hit by a drone or a rocket, although debris found at the site was said to be consistent with a drone attack.
Security sources cited in initial reports said the projectile may have been launched from an area near Tuz Khurmatu, south of Kirkuk.
That account had not been independently confirmed, and authorities had not publicly assigned responsibility for the strike.
The location has previously been targeted by drones and rockets, making Khor Mor one of the most repeatedly attacked energy facilities in northern Iraq.
Why the facility matters to Kurdistan’s power grid
Khor Mor’s importance extends beyond gas production because its output is connected directly to the region’s electricity network.
A previous attack on an LPG storage facility at the field in November 2025 caused a major production shutdown and sharply reduced power generation across the Kurdistan Region, according to an earlier Kurdistan Regional Government statement.
The Kurdistan Regional Government has said earlier attacks on energy infrastructure harmed electricity supplies, public services and investor confidence.
The field is operated by Pearl Petroleum, a consortium involving Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum.
Operators and regional authorities have invested in expanding production so that more gas can be supplied to power plants in Kurdistan and elsewhere in Iraq.
The latest strike raises fresh concerns about the security of energy infrastructure at a time when Iraq is trying to increase domestic gas production and reduce dependence on imported fuels.
What happens next
The immediate priority is to extinguish the fire, secure the site and assess whether the damage is limited to storage and loading equipment or has affected the field’s wider processing system.
If the main production and transmission equipment remains intact, gas flows could resume after safety checks and repairs.
A more extensive shutdown could prolong electricity reductions and force power stations to rely on alternative fuels.
Regional authorities have previously used liquid fuel and other emergency measures when Khor Mor supplies were interrupted.
The investigation will also be closely watched because earlier attacks on the field led to repeated calls for stronger protection of critical infrastructure and greater accountability for those responsible.
For residents, the practical consequence will depend on how quickly gas production resumes and whether substitute fuel can be delivered to the affected power plants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Iraq’s Khor Mor gas field?
The facility was hit by a drone strike or projectile late on November 8, 2026, causing a fire and forcing gas production to stop.
How did the attack affect electricity supplies?
Kurdish electricity authorities said the disruption reduced available power generation by approximately 2,500 to 2,800 megawatts.
Where is the Khor Mor gas field?
Khor Mor is in Chamchamal district in Sulaymaniyah province, within Iraq’s Kurdistan Region.
Who operates the Khor Mor field?
The field is operated by Pearl Petroleum, a consortium that includes Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum.
Has anyone claimed responsibility for the attack?
No group had publicly claimed responsibility in the initial reports, and Iraqi and Kurdish authorities ordered an investigation.
Fact-Checked: Key details were checked against statements and background information from the Kurdistan Regional Government, alongside multiple current reports citing Iraqi and Kurdish authorities.
Disclaimer: The damage assessment, responsibility and timing of a production restart may change as investigators and operators release further information.