Iraqi Kurdistan PM Calls for Halt to Attacks on Economic Infrastructure Amid Khor Mor Gas Field Strikes

Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani has called for an immediate halt to attacks on economic infrastructure in the region, particularly targeting the Khor Mor gas field. The field, located in the Chamchamal district of al-Sulaymaniya governorate, supplies a staggering 80% of Kurdistan's electricity needs in Iraq. The urgent call comes in the wake of a recent drone strike on the field that claimed the lives of four workers and temporarily suspended production, leading to significant power shortages across the region.

Why this matters: The repeated attacks on the Khor Mor gas field expose the vulnerability of Iraq's energy infrastructure, which has far-reaching implications for the country's economic stability and security. The repeated attacks on the Khor Mor gas field expose the vulnerability of Iraq's energy infrastructure, which has far-reaching implications for the country's economic stability and security. A comprehensive strategy to safeguard critical infrastructure is vital to prevent widespread power outages and ensure the dependability of key services.

The Pearl Consortium, led by Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum, operates the Khor Mor field. Since its inception in 2008, the field has witnessed a remarkable 50% surge in output, reaching an impressive 452 million standard cubic feet per day by the end of 2021. In addition to natural gas, the field yields 15,000 barrels per day of condensate and over 1,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas. The attack on this critical infrastructure has far-reaching consequences for the region's energy security and economic stability.

The recent strike is not an isolated incident, as the Khor Mor field has been targeted in the past. In January, a similar drone attack temporarily halted production and caused widespread power outages in the northern Kurdistan region. Despite the challenges posed by these assaults, Dana Gas has announced plans to gradually restart production at the field while implementing enhanced safety measures to safeguard personnel and facilities.

In a statement to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Dana Gas affirmed, "Based upon concrete actions taken by the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government to strengthen defenses at the Khor Mor site significantly... Dana Gas and its partners have taken steps to recommence production." However, the company did not provide a specific timeline for the complete restoration of production at the field.

Iraqi officials have vehemently condemned the attack on the Khor Mor field, labeling it a "terrorist" act. Prime Minister Al-Sudani assured that leads to the responsible parties had been discovered and that legal actions would be pursued once the investigation concludes. The attack highlights the persistent security challenges faced by critical infrastructure in Iraq and the pressing need for enhanced protective measures to ensure the safety and resilience of these vital assets.

The significance of the Khor Mor gas field to the Kurdistan region's electricity supply cannot be overstated. With 80% of the region's power needs hinging on the field's uninterrupted operation, any disruption has far-reaching repercussions for businesses, households, and critical services. The repeated attacks on the field expose the vulnerability of Iraq's energy infrastructure and highlight the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to bolster its security and resilience.

Kurdistan Regional Government and the Iraqi central government collaboration to address the security challenges confronting the Khor Mor field and other critical infrastructure prioritizes the protection of these vital assets as paramount. This entails investing in advanced surveillance and defense systems, enhancing intelligence gathering and sharing, and promoting closer cooperation between security forces and private sector partners.

The attacks on the Khor Mor gas field serve as a sobering illustration of the fragility of Iraq's energy infrastructure and the imperative for a robust and comprehensive approach to safeguarding its security. As Prime Minister Barzani emphasized,"targeting economic infrastructure harms all Iraqi citizens, and it is imperative that these attacks are stopped and prevented from recurring. "Only through concerted efforts and collaboration among the Iraqi government, the Kurdistan Regional Government, and private sector partners like Dana Gas can a more secure and stable environment be established for the country's critical energy assets.

Key Takeaways

• KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani calls for an immediate halt to attacks on economic infrastructure in Kurdistan.
• The Khor Mor gas field, which supplies 80% of Kurdistan's electricity, has been repeatedly attacked, causing power shortages.
• The field's output has surged 50% since 2008, reaching 452 million standard cubic feet per day by 2021.
• Dana Gas plans to restart production at the field while implementing enhanced safety measures.
• The Iraqi government and KRG must collaborate to safeguard critical infrastructure and prevent future attacks.