Explosion near Hawler Airport during military drills

An explosion was heard today, Sunday, near Hawler Airport in the Kurdistan Region, where forces affiliated with the US-led international coalition are stationed. Authorities later confirmed that the blast was caused by military exercises and security activities.

Explosion near Hawler Airport during military drills
20 September, 2026   21:46
NEWS DESK

The Kurdistan Region’s Counter-Terrorism Forces said the explosions heard near the airport were part of military exercises and security activities, stressing that they “pose no danger.”

AFP journalists reported hearing the explosion and seeing columns of smoke rising from the vicinity of the airport.

The incident comes ahead of the completion of the international coalition’s withdrawal from Iraq by September 30, following the end of its mission against ISIS mercenaries in the country. Coalition forces had previously begun withdrawing from other bases, leaving their presence in the Kurdistan Region limited to Hawler Airport.

a.k

ANHA