Drones target northern Iraqi airport after 2 months of lull



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BAGHDAD (AP) – Drones loaded with explosives targeted Irbil International Airport in northern Iraq on Saturday evening where US-led coalition troops are stationed without causing casualties, according to reports. security forces and officials from the Kurdish-ruled region.

The Kurdistan Counterterrorism Service said at least two drones carrying explosives targeted the airport in a statement. He said the attack caused no casualties.

Lawk Ghafuri, spokesman for the semi-autonomous northern region, said the explosives struck outside the airport and dismissed reports that the attack had an impact on flights. He said the airport remained open and an investigation was underway by the Kurdish authorities.

The attack is the first after a two-month lull in drone and rocket attacks targeting the US presence in Baghdad and military bases across Iraq. On July 8, rockets landed in and around the heavily fortified green zone of the Iraqi capital Baghdad, which houses the United States Embassy. It caused material damage but no casualties.

Until recently, attacks were frequent. The United States blamed Iranian-backed militias for the attacks. More recently, attacks have become more sophisticated, with militants using drones instead of Katyusha rockets.

US forces will end their combat mission in Iraq by the end of this year, but will continue to train and advise the Iraqi military. There are currently 2,500 American troops in Iraq helping local forces counter what remains of the Islamic State group.

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