Erbil, Iraq – November 30, 2025 – At least one person was killed and several others injured in riots in northern Iraq’s Erbil governorate, Kurdish authorities reported, after an attack on the strategically important Khor Mor gas field disrupted energy production and sparked widespread unrest. The incident underscores the ongoing volatility in Iraq’s Kurdistan region, which hosts major US and international energy investments.

Background: Khor Mor Gas Field Attack

On Wednesday, a rocket attack struck a storage tank at the Khor Mor gas field, one of the largest energy facilities in northern Iraq, causing a shutdown in gas production and triggering extensive power outages across the region.

The gas field, partially funded and constructed by US contractors, plays a crucial role in supplying electricity to local power plants. Following the attack, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) mobilized liquid fuel supplies to restore electricity, but tensions quickly escalated on the roads.

Riots in Erbil’s Gwer District

According to the KRG Ministry of Interior, a group of rioters blocked roads in the Gwer area, targeting fuel tankers and civilians with gunfire. The ministry said in a statement:

“A group of rioters blocked the road used by fuel tankers and civilians in Gwer, opening fire on passers-by and travellers. This resulted in the death of one citizen and injuries to several others.”

Authorities have pledged to take strong measures to suppress the riots and restore law and order, calling the violence “acts of sabotage” that threaten public safety.

Clashes With Local Tribes

The Iraqi News Agency reported that armed clashes erupted between the Harkiya tribe and security forces near the village of Lajan, along the Erbil-Gwer road adjacent to the Lanaz Company refinery. Officials confirmed the confrontations led to multiple fatalities and injuries.

Despite the unrest, the KRG Electricity Ministry announced that operations at Khor Mor had resumed by early Sunday, with gas transmission to power stations restored by 2 am local time (23:00 GMT Saturday).

No Claim of Responsibility

The rocket attack on Khor Mor remains unclaimed, and authorities have not identified the perpetrators. This attack represents the most serious violence in the region since July drone strikes that previously reduced production by around 150,000 barrels per day.

Military expert Abdulkhaliq Talaat told Rudaw news that the latest drone strike on Khor Mor may have originated from areas under Iraqi federal forces’ control, highlighting ongoing regional tensions between the KRG and Baghdad.

Strategic Importance of Khor Mor

The Khor Mor gas field is a critical component of Iraq’s energy infrastructure, supplying both domestic electricity and supporting local industry. The facility’s partial US funding and construction reflect its geopolitical significance, as the KRG maintains a high degree of autonomy while hosting foreign energy investments.

The recent attack and subsequent riots demonstrate the fragility of security in northern Iraq, where territorial disputes, tribal clashes, and political tensions can quickly escalate into violent incidents affecting civilians and energy infrastructure alike.

KRG Response and Outlook

Kurdish authorities have reiterated their commitment to restoring law and order, ensuring the safe transport of fuel, and resuming stable power supply. Meanwhile, security experts warn that further unrest could occur as local grievances intersect with broader regional conflicts over resources, governance, and foreign investments.

The incident underscores the ongoing vulnerability of Iraq’s energy sector, particularly in the semi-autonomous Kurdish region, which has faced repeated attacks on oil and gas facilities in recent years.