US troop pullback raises fears of more attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan – analysis

The Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq faces increased vulnerability due to a potential reduction in US military presence, according to an Al-Monitor report by Amerin Zaman on July 31. Since February, the region has endured approximately 1,000 missile and drone attacks, resulting in dozens of casualties and disruptions to energy operations. The report indicates that Patriot air-defense systems have been removed from US bases in the Kurdistan Region, with the bulk of US forces and heavy equipment also redeployed. This withdrawal raises fears among Kurds of being abandoned, given their historical experiences of betrayal. Iran has been targeting Iranian Kurdish opposition groups based in the region, and these attacks have intensified, with Rudaw media reporting 966 drones and missiles fired since February 28, killing 32 people and injuring around 150. The repositioning of US defenses could be interpreted by Iran as an opportunity for further strikes.