Erbil, Iraq – A report by Middle East Eye has revealed significant military movements in Iraqi Kurdistan. Several Western countries have begun withdrawing or relocating their forces from Erbil Air Base, amid increasing speculation about a potential US military strike against Iran.
This move comes amid concerns that the base could become a prime target for Tehran’s retaliation should open conflict erupt.
Air mobilization and field movements
According to the source, Erbil Airport has witnessed increased activity in recent days, with unidentified military helicopters landing.
Helicopter flights over the city have become a daily occurrence, and while the Western presence is not overt
within the city’s neighborhoods, the airbase is teeming with foreign military personnel and logistical equipment.
The Kurdistan Region is no stranger to conflict, having been subjected to a series of drone
and ballistic missile attacks by Tehran and its allied factions since 2018.
The most notable of these attacks was the downing of a suicide drone over Erbil Airport last July,
and a drone attack in February targeted forces opposed to Tehran.
American crowds and zero hour
In this context, Zeryan Rozlati, director of the Rudaw Research Center, told the website, “The Kurdistan Region enjoys good relations with the West,
and if a war breaks out between Iran and the United States or Israel, the tension will inevitably spread to the region.”
The report noted that the United States recently deployed approximately 100 refueling aircraft,
aircraft carrier strike groups, and fighter jets to the region.
President Donald Trump has not ruled out the option of an attack should the nuclear talks scheduled to resume on Thursday, March 26, fail.
Indicators of military escalation
Sources confirmed to the website that countries within the international coalition have already begun relocating
their personnel from Erbil to avoid Iranian retaliatory strikes.
Michael Patrick Mulroy, former US Under Secretary of Defense, commented on these developments, saying:
The withdrawal as an indicator: “When you see forces withdrawing from Erbil
and non-essential personnel being evacuated from Beirut, the likelihood of a US attack increases.”
The Geneva gamble: “Much depends on the outcome of the Geneva meeting next Thursday.”
