Explosions rock Erbil near airport as air defenses intercept attack

2026-03-08 - 00:23

ERBIL — Heavy explosions were heard Saturday near Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq amid escalating regional tensions, according to local media and eyewitness reports.At least three explosions were reported in the vicinity of the airport, though no immediate details were available about casualties or damage.Additional shelling was heard near the airport hours later, with air defense systems reportedly intercepting incoming projectiles, according to local reports.Earlier in the day, explosions were also heard in Baghdad.Local media said the blasts coincided with sirens sounding inside the compound housing the US Embassy Baghdad, with air defense systems reportedly activated.The developments came despite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian saying earlier Saturday that Iran would refrain from attacking neighboring states unless attacks were launched against Iran from their territory.