Kurdish Policy Analysis

Two drones strike central Sulaimani, damaging homes and institute

SULAIMANI, Iraq, April 6 (Kurdish Policy Analysis) – Two large drones struck the heart of Sulaymaniyah late on Sunday, damaging residential buildings and a facility for visually impaired people in one of the city’s busiest districts, residents and local reports said.

The attack hit the Bakhtiyari neighborhood, where at least three houses were damaged, including a building used as an institute for the blind. Footage circulating locally indicated the primary structure targeted was unoccupied at the time of the strike, though the blast impact extended to nearby homes and civilian infrastructure.

Witnesses reported a powerful explosion that could be felt several kilometers away. “The entire house shook—it was the loudest blast we have ever heard,” said one resident living roughly 7 km from the site, describing panic among families and children awakened by the strike.

Local accounts said more than a dozen vehicles were destroyed or heavily damaged, and a strong, unusual odor lingered in the area following the strike. Emergency response teams were seen inspecting the site late into the night.

The facility affected by the strike was described by residents as a center where visually impaired people receive training in reading and daily life skills. Parts of its structure, including a non-concrete roof, sustained significant damage.

Residents said the two drones appeared to hit the same location in quick succession.

There was no immediate official confirmation of casualties. Yet Kurdish television channel AVA media reported that one person is injured but no one is killed in the strike.

The strike comes amid a surge in nightly drone attacks targeting cities across the Kurdistan Region, including Erbil and Duhok, since the start of the ongoing conflict involving Iran. Local sources attribute the attacks to Iran-aligned militia groups, and a group calling themselves Ashab w al-kaf (Cave Men)  has claimed responsibility for Sunday’s strike.

Residents also reported the sound of aircraft flying over the city shortly after the strike, though it was not immediately clear whether they were linked to the incident.

Authorities have yet to release a formal statement on the attack or confirm the intended target.