Turkish drone shot down by Iraqi air defenses over northern city of Kirkuk

Iraqi air defenses shot down a Turkish drone this morning over the northern city of Kirkuk, Iraqi military officials say.

The incident comes as the two countries have been attempting to develop closer economic and security ties, raising concerns amid the already volatile security situation in the region.

Brig. Gen. Abdul Salam, deputy commander of air defense, tells reporters that the drone came from the direction of Sulaymaniyah and crossed into Iraqi airspace. He says it was a Turkish drone and was shot down by the Iraqi air force in the Chiman area of Kirkuk.

The Iraqi air force says in a statement that the drone was issued a warning “according to protocol” and then was shot down by air defenses. It said the drone fell on a civilian house, causing “only material losses.”

There was no immediate comment from Turkish officials.