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Summary
March 2026 saw a significant escalation of attacks on diplomatic and military facilities in Iraq. The most prominent incident was a series of drone and rocket attacks targeting the US Embassy compound in Baghdad, causing a fire and destroying a satellite communications system, which Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered investigated. Concurrently, US and allied bases, including a facility near Erbil airport and a US diplomatic site near Baghdad International Airport, faced sustained rocket and drone barrages claimed by pro-Iranian Iraqi militant groups. These attacks resulted in casualties among coalition partners, including the death of a French soldier in the Kurdistan region, which prompted Italy to withdraw its soldiers from Iraq following a deliberate drone strike on their base.
Separate from hostile fire, a US Air Force KC-135 refueling plane crashed in western Iraq, killing all six American service members onboard in what the military stated was an accident. In response to militia attacks, a series of airstrikes targeted bases of Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces, killing a commander and others. The Iraqi government warned it has the 'right to respond' to these strikes, condemning them as a violation of sovereignty and authorizing the militia to retaliate. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards launched missile attacks on positions in Iraqi Kurdistan, targeting what they call anti-Iranian forces.
Regional tensions further manifested in an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Iraq that killed an Indian crew member, and UK forces shot down a drone fired from Iran. Amid the deteriorating security situation, NATO withdrew its troops from the Iraq mission and relocated personnel to Europe.
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Escalation of strikes, casualties, and specific military engagements
USA U.S. military refueling plane, a KC-135, crashed in Iraq, killing all six American service members on board. The Pentagon confirmed the incident and the number of fatalities. Officials have begun identifying the deceased, including Captain Ariana Savino. A friend paid tribute to Savino, and a report mentioned a father of twins was among those killed. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The U.S. military provided an update on the incident but has not released further details.
Mar 17
Drone and rocket attacks target US bases, embassy, and diplomatic sites in Iraq
A series of drone and rocket attacks targeted the US Embassy compound in Baghdad. The attacks caused a fire at the embassy and reportedly destroyed a satellite communications system. Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an investigation into the security breach. The attacks occurred amid heightened regional tensions.
Mar 29
IQUS military refueling plane crashes in Iraq, all crew killed
A US military refueling plane crashed in Iraq. The US military confirmed all six crew members on board were killed. The military said the crash appears to have been an accident. Rescue efforts were carried out after the crash.
Mar 13
Drone attack in Erbil kills French soldier, injures others
GR/IT/PT+3Italy is pulling its soldiers out of Iraq after a drone attack hit their base near Erbil airport. The attack caused a fire, and Italian officials, including Defense Minister Crosetto, called it a deliberate act. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was monitoring the situation. The base commander reported that while troops were tired, their morale remained high. The withdrawal order came shortly after the attack.
Mar 13
FRUS airstrikes target Iran-backed militias in Iraq amid rising tensions
IRA series of airstrikes targeted bases and headquarters belonging to Iran-backed militias in Iraq. The strikes reportedly killed a commander and several companions from the Popular Mobilisation Forces, an umbrella group for these militias. The Iraqi government in Baghdad warned it has the 'right to respond' to the attacks. Militia sources confirmed multiple bases were hit, resulting in increased losses for the groups.
Mar 25
US officials compare Iran conflict to Iraq war as NATO withdraws troops
UK forces in Iraq shot down a drone that was fired from Iran. This action is part of a broader effort by Western militaries to counter Iranian-made drones, a challenge being compared to dealing with roadside bombs in past wars. Separately, an Iranian Kurdish opposition leader based in Iraq said a ground military operation from Iraq into Iran is now 'highly likely.' This statement points to the potential for the conflict to escalate further on the ground.
Mar 30
Maritime attack on US-owned tanker near Iraq by unmanned boats
An oil tanker was attacked off the coast of Iraq, resulting in the death of an Indian crew member. The victim was a Mumbai engineer who his family says was forced to join the vessel just before the attack. Fifteen other crew members were evacuated from the ship.
Mar 14
Kurdish security member killed in strikes near Erbil Airport
Iraqi government condemns attacks on Hashd al-Shaabi militia
+ 27 additional sources tracked