A massive fire has engulfed a key oil refinery in Erbil, sending shockwaves across Iraq’s Kurdistan region and raising fresh concerns over energy security in the Gulf. The explosions, captured in dramatic videos circulating on social media, show towering flames ripping through the facility, with thick plumes of smoke visible from miles away. The incident comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, with recent threats targeting Gulf energy infrastructure adding to the volatility. While the exact cause of the blasts remains unclear, the timing has intensified speculation and scrutiny around regional stability and the safety of critical oil assets. Authorities have yet to release an official statement confirming the extent of damage or potential casualties.

A dramatic escalation unfolds in the Middle East as a wave of coordinated drone strikes targets US positions across Iraq and beyond. Within just 24 hours, at least 41 strikes have been reported, marking one of the most intense bursts of activity in recent months. Groups identifying as part of the “Islamic Resistance in Iraq” claim responsibility for launching dozens of drones aimed at US military bases and associated assets. What makes this development more significant is the widening geographic scope. Bahrain has now emerged within the broader strike zone, raising concerns over a potential spillover into the Gulf region. Analysts warn that such cross-border targeting could reshape the regional security landscape and trigger wider geopolitical consequences. WATCH