Baghdad, Iraq – As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance security and stability and control regional airspace, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense announced today, Thursday, March 26, 2026,
that its military units were able to detect and shoot down an unidentified drone in Kirkuk Governorate, demonstrating Defense capabilities.
Accurate monitoring and immediate response
According to a statement issued by the Ministry, at 10:45 a.m. today, radars and field units detected
an unidentified drone flying at a very low altitude over areas within the 3rd Regiment’s area of responsibility.
The 3rd Regiment is part of the 44th Brigade, 11th Infantry Division, under the Kirkuk Operations Command, which is overseen by the Defense Ministry.
Upon detecting the target, military units moved swiftly and professionally.
A detachment from the 2nd Company of the aforementioned regiment successfully engaged the drone
and shot it down immediately in the area of Al-Fakhra village.
Military sources confirmed that the operation was a complete success,
with no casualties or material losses among the forces or civilians in the surrounding areas.
Technical procedures and field treatment
Following the securing of the site and the downing of the aircraft, an immediate military force,
under the command of the regiment commander, was dispatched.
Supported by a specialized detachment from the 11th Division’s field engineering unit, they proceeded to the crash site to carry out Defense procedures.
Technical teams are currently conducting the necessary inspections and examining the aircraft’s components.
This is being done to determine the appropriate technical and legal procedures
and to address the situation according to established military protocols for such incidents. Additionally, Defense officials are involved in the investigation.
The aim is to identify the party responsible for sending the aircraft and the objectives of this unauthorized flight.
A message of resolve and combat readiness
This incident underscores the high level of readiness and constant vigilance of the Iraqi army units in confronting
any threat to the security of their areas of responsibility and the integrity of the airspace.
The Ministry emphasized in its statement that these reconnaissance or security breach attempts,
regardless of their source, will not weaken the resolve of the armed forces
or affect their performance of their national duty to protect the country.
It affirmed that such breaches will be dealt with firmly and decisively in the future.
