Security expert Abdul Ghani Al-Ghadban stated that the recent attack on the gas fields in Sulaymaniyah emerges from a complex mix of political, economic, and security motives, making it difficult to dismantle the networks benefiting from destabilizing the Kurdistan Region’s gas sector.
Speaking to Al-Manassat – dinaropinions.com, Al-Ghadban said initial indicators suggest the involvement of a powerful actor seeking to prevent the development of gas production in the region due to potential economic losses it may face. He hinted that Iran may have mobilized some of its proxies to strike these strategic facilities, noting that this is not the first time such sites have been attacked.
Al-Ghadban also pointed to internal Kurdish political disputes—particularly over the regional presidency and government formation—as another factor contributing to the instability. He suggested that certain Kurdish Islamic groups or factions could be attempting to influence the political and security environment.
He further highlighted the role of an armed group located near the region’s borders that recently lost its parliamentary sway and is facing increased pressure from the regional government. This group, he said, may have acted on its own or in coordination with others to target a facility of this scale for political leverage or retaliation.
According to Al-Ghadban, the broader objectives behind these attacks include:
- Disrupting gas and electricity production in the region and nearby governorates
- Triggering instability in the oil derivatives market
- Hindering the work of technical teams
- Increasing pressure on field administrators
He noted that the Iraqi government has formed a joint investigative committee between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government, but criticized this repeated approach, arguing that such committees often lead to delays and inconclusive results.
