Power outage hits most of Iraq, plunges capital into darkness
Iraq is facing an increasingly tense security situation, as the country appears to be caught in the middle of an escalating regional conflict. Power outages have also been reported in many areas, leaving parts of the country in darkness. The cause is still unknown, but much of the country is without power.
????⚡ Total blackout in Basmaya, southeast of Baghdad.
— War Monitoring (@WarMonitoring_x) March 4, 2026
Entire area plunged into darkness ⚡ Authorities haven't confirmed the cause yet. #Iraq #PowerOutage https://t.co/tPTlPNDIEl pic.twitter.com/eHnzXDknhk
The situation worsened after two drones crashed near Baghdad International Airport, just hours after a similar incident in the same area. According to Iraqi security sources cited by AFP, the drones were neutralized without causing casualties or material damage.
Baghdad Airport is strategically important as it includes a military base that houses a US diplomatic headquarters and where US-led coalition forces were previously deployed.
Following the incidents, the US Embassy in Baghdad urged American citizens to leave Iraq as soon as possible and to stay home until safe conditions are created for departure.
Analysts point out that Iraq is becoming one of the most sensitive fronts of the regional crisis. One of the main reasons is related to the presence of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq, which Tehran considers a threat to its security.
In recent days, Iran has intensified attacks on the groups' bases in northern Iraq, while tensions between Tehran and its Western allies have spread to several countries in the region. In this context, Iraq risks becoming one of the main flashpoints in the Middle East crisis.
Nëse kurdët e Irakut do mësyjnë drejt Iranit , Irani do shënjestroi qeverinë në Bagdat. Sulmi kurd ndaj kufirit me Iranin do ishte fatal për ta, sepse përball do kishin shahedët iranian . Këtë arsenal Irani e ka me tepri, aq sa eksporton edhe në Rusi.