Kirkuk: A projectile struck the Kirkuk Air Base in northern Iraq, igniting a fire, as reported by the Iraqi Defense Ministry. The ministry labeled the incident a 'sinful attack.'

According to Anadolu Agency, the ministry stated that technical teams promptly responded to the scene, successfully containing and controlling the fire to prevent its spread and mitigate human casualties. The Kirkuk Air Base, described as a 'purely Iraqi base,' hosts Iraqi aircraft squadrons and is operated solely by national personnel, with no foreign presence.

The ministry emphasized that the attack is a direct threat to the Iraqi Army Aviation's capabilities and poses a risk of significant losses to the air system. The ministry condemned such hostile acts as attempts to undermine Iraq's achievements and weaken its defense capabilities, calling for a firm stance to safeguard national security and sovereignty.

Regional tensions have been escalating since Israel and the US launched a joint offensive on Iran on February 28, resulting in approximately 1,300 fatalities, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran has conducted drone and missile strikes against Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, leading to casualties, infrastructure damage, and disruptions in global markets and aviation.