Baghdad: The Counter-Terrorism Directorate in the Kurdistan Region announced early Monday the downing of an explosive-laden drone near Erbil International Airport, with no casualties or material damage reported.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in a statement, the directorate confirmed that the incident occurred at 2:20 a.m., noting that the drone was intercepted before reaching its intended target.

Meanwhile, local sources reported hearing explosions in the vicinity of the airport, coinciding with the activation of sirens at the nearby U.S. Consulate.