A major fire has erupted at an oil facility near Erbil after a drone strike hit the Lanaz Refinery, sending thick smoke and flames into the sky and forcing nearby residents to flee the area in panic.
The attack has raised fresh concerns about the security of energy infrastructure across the region.

🔥 Refinery Engulfed in Flames:
Witnesses reported a loud explosion followed by towering flames at the Lanaz Refinery shortly after the drone impact. Videos from the scene show mᴀssive plumes of black smoke rising above the facility as emergency crews attempted to contain the blaze.
Officials said operations at the refinery were immediately suspended while firefighters worked to control the spreading fire.

⚠️ Villagers Flee Surrounding Areas:
Residents living near the facility reported hearing a powerful blast before seeing flames spreading across parts of the refinery complex. Many villagers in nearby communities began leaving the area out of fear that additional explosions could occur.
Local authorities urged civilians to stay away from the industrial zone while emergency responders secured the site.

🛢️ Energy Infrastructure Under Threat:
The strike highlights the growing risk facing oil facilities in the Middle East as regional tensions continue to rise. Refineries, pipelines, and export terminals are increasingly seen as high-value targets capable of disrupting energy supplies and causing economic damage.

🌍 Regional Impact:
Located in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region, Erbil has become an important hub for oil production and export operations. Any prolonged shutdown of facilities in the area could affect local fuel supplies and broader regional energy markets.
Authorities are now investigating who was responsible for the drone attack as security forces increase protection around key infrastructure sites. ⚡