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SORAN, March 8 — Residents of Iraqi Kurdistan say they fear being pulled into the rapidly escalating regional conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel, as military activity intensifies near the mountainous border areas between Iraq and Iran.
Locals living in towns close to the frontier have reported seeing fighter jets, drones and missile interceptions in the skies in recent days, heightening anxiety among communities that have long tried to remain outside major regional wars.
One resident, Satar Barsirini, who previously fought with Kurdish forces, said he worries the region could soon become entangled in the wider conflict despite not being directly involved. Looking up at aircraft crossing the sky near the border, he reportedly said the conflict unfolding around them is “not my war.”
Kurdistan Caught Between Regional Powers
The semi-autonomous Kurdish region in northern Iraq has historically attempted to maintain relative stability compared with other parts of Iraq. However, its strategic location bordering Iran and its ties with Western allies have made it vulnerable to regional tensions.
The latest escalation began after US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, which triggered retaliatory actions by Iran and heightened fears of a wider regional war.
Because foreign military facilities and Kurdish opposition groups operate in parts of Iraqi Kurdistan, the region risks becoming a battleground if hostilities continue to spread.
Recent missile and drone attacks have already targeted areas around Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region, including locations near military facilities used by international forces.
Residents Fear Civilian Impact
For civilians living in the region, the biggest concern is that their towns could be caught in the crossfire of a conflict between powerful states.
Many residents say they simply want to live in peace without being dragged into geopolitical struggles that are beyond their control. The fear is especially strong in communities near the mountainous frontier where Iranian forces have previously launched strikes against Kurdish militant groups
Families in several towns have reported hearing explosions in the distance or seeing military aircraft overhead, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension.
Kurdish Authorities Seeking to Avoid Escalation
Leaders of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) have repeatedly stated that they do not want their territory to be used as a base for attacks against neighbouring countries.
Officials have attempted to maintain a delicate balance between relations with Baghdad, Tehran and Western allies
However, analysts say the current conflict makes neutrality increasingly difficult. The presence of Kurdish armed groups, US military forces and regional rivalries
Strategic Importance of the Region
Iraqi Kurdistan plays a significant strategic role in Middle Eastern geopolitics. The region hosts international military bases and is located near key transport and energy corridors linking Iraq with Turkey and Iran.
Because of this, any major escalation between Iran and Western allies could quickly spill over into Kurdish territory, particularly if military operations expand along the border.
Security experts warn that even limited strikes or drone attacks could destabilise the region, disrupt civilian life and force displacement of local populations.
A Region Hoping to Stay Out of War
Despite the growing tension, many residents remain hopeful that the conflict will not spread further into their region.
For people living in towns such as Soran and areas near the Iranian frontier, the priority is simply avoiding another cycle of violence in a region that has already experienced decades of conflict.
As one resident expressed, the sentiment shared by many locals is clear: the war unfolding around them is not theirs — yet they fear they may still have to face its consequences.
