Official reports from Iraqi authorities or news agencies

Iraq Uses Pantsir-S1 to Shoot Down Turkish Drone Over Kirkuk Amid Security Deal Tensions

Aug 29, 2024, 10:01 AM

Iraq's air defenses shot down a Turkish 'TAI Aksungur' unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) over Kirkuk, northern Iraq, on Thursday. The incident, confirmed by police sources and reported by Reuters, has triggered an investigation into the drone's origin and purpose. According to local sources, the drone was flying without permission over security bases in the region. The Iraqi Air Defense reportedly used the Pantsir-S1 air defense system to bring down the drone. A video reportedly shows the moment a missile was launched to shoot down the drone. This event follows a major security deal between Iraq and Turkey earlier this month, amid tensions over the governing structure in Kirkuk.