Institutionalizing security apparatus needed to counter attacks: Expert

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Countering drone threats to the Kurdistan Region and Iraq is difficult unless they institutionalize their security apparatus, a security expert told Rudaw earlier this month, speaking about the technology advancement in drone technology.

A security consultant, Jonathan Hunter, talked to Rudaw’s Roj Eli Zalla, about the latest developments in drone technology and the threats facing the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

“Here in this region, you have a very active aerospace, specifically with drones....  I think they will continue to be used until you institutionalize your security apparatus here in Iraq and Kurdistan [Region]”, Hunter said adding that countering these threats will be very difficult as long as people want to take charge of their destiny.

“When they [governments] want to make a decision to go after these threats [drone attacks], they go after it.  It’s not just technology-based, it’s a process, it’s training, it’s understanding that it’s no longer a two-dimensional battle,” Hunter said, pointing out that the evolving technology renders security measures with respect to geographical location obsolete.

Erbil has been the target of several drone and missile attacks in the past with the most notable being in March last year, striking the residence of a Kurdish businessman under the pretext of hitting Israeli bases.

Last November, several drone attacks were carried out targeting the members of the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) in the town of Pirde, along the Erbil-Kirkuk provincial border.

Telegram Channels affiliated with Iran’s Islamic revolutionary guards (IRGC) confirmed the attacks were launched by their forces.

Asked whether he foresees the international community taking action to limit drones, Hunter says the international community will not come together until there is an outpouring of criticism.

“The benefits [of drones] outweigh the negatives right now, that’s why I think you’re not going to see any international regulation, any international community limit the capability of these systems”, Hunter said.