00:18A high-rise building engulfed in flames in the middle of the night, in a city once considered
00:25one of the safest in Iraq. This is what happened in Erbil. Late on March 24, a powerful explosion
00:32rocked central Erbil after a drone strike hit a high-rise building in a major hotel district,
00:38an area known to host foreign personnel, including U.S. troops, contractors, and diplomats.
00:44Within minutes, the skyline changed. Eyewitness footage shows intense flames tearing through
00:51the upper floors of the building while thick black smoke billowed into the night sky. The strike
00:57is believed to have targeted a site near upscale hotels such as Arjan by Rotana, a location frequently
01:03used by Western visitors and coalition-linked personnel. This wasn't just symbolic, it was
01:09strategic. Responsibility was claimed by the Islamic resistance in Iraq, a coalition of
01:15Iran-aligned armed groups. They described the attack as a precise operation targeting what
01:21they called U.S. occupation forces, and even hinted at the presence of Israeli or Western
01:27intelligence. Emergency responders rushed to the scene as flames spread through parts of
01:32the structure. Despite the scale of the explosion and fire, no confirmed casualties have been reported
01:38so far, but the visual damage is severe, with parts of the building heavily affected. And this
01:44wasn't an isolated strike. In the past few weeks, Erbil has seen repeated drone attacks targeting
01:50hotel zones, areas near the U.S. consulate, and locations close to Erbil International Airport.
01:57Many drones have been intercepted, but some are getting through. For years, Erbil was considered
02:03a safe zone, a stable hub for international business, diplomacy, and military coordination. But now,
02:10it's increasingly being pulled into a wider regional conflict. Hotels and high-rise buildings here
02:16aren't random targets. They're seen as symbols of foreign presence. These attacks come amid rising
02:23tensions between Iran, the U.S., and their allies across the region. Iran-backed groups are stepping
02:29up drone operations, targeting key infrastructure and locations tied to Western influence. Erbil is now part of
02:37that battlefield. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of the damage. Security forces have
02:43tightened control across the city. Investigations into the drone origins are ongoing, and more updates
02:49are expected in the coming hours. A city once seen as a safe haven, now facing repeated attacks. No casualties
02:56this time, but a clear warning. The conflict is spreading.
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