The explosion near Erbil Airport in northern Iraq is due to military training
Amman2 min read
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The explosion on Sunday near Erbil Airport, where forces affiliated with the US-led international coalition are stationed in the autonomous Kurdistan region of Iraq, was later found to be due to military training, according to authorities.
Journalists reported hearing an explosion near Erbil Airport, while one witnessed smoke rising from its vicinity.
The counter-terrorism forces in Kurdistan stated that the explosions resulted from "military training and security activities and do not pose any danger"
Local Kurdish media reported that the international coalition detonated ammunition in the area.
The US-led coalition forces are scheduled to complete their withdrawal from Iraq by September 30.
These forces withdrew in January from other bases in Iraq and began leaving Kurdistan, with their presence now limited to Erbil Airport.
The presence of Washington-led forces has been a constant point of contention between Iraqi authorities and Tehran-backed armed factions, which have targeted coalition forces for years.
Over the years, coalition forces have shot down numerous drones loaded with explosives over Erbil and its airport, with these attacks intensifying during the Middle East war that began with the US and Israel's attack on Iran on February 28.
During the war, Iran has repeatedly announced that it targeted US bases in the Kurdistan region of Iraq.