Chaldean Catholic Archdiocese in Erbil Suffers Drone Attack at its Residential Complex


Catholic Facility in Northern Iraq Struck by Drone During Escalating Conflict

ERBIL, IRAQ (March 4, 2026) — A Catholic residential complex in Erbil’s Christian district was damaged Wednesday evening by an apparent Iranian drone strike, highlighting the growing peril faced by religious minorities as the regional conflict intensifies.

The Blessed Michael McGivney Apartment complex in Ankawa was hit at approximately 8:00 p.m. local time. Owned by the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil, the facility serves as a refuge for diocesan staff and young Christian families, many of whom were previously displaced during the war against ISIS (2014–2018).


Impact and Damage

While the strike caused significant structural damage, no casualties were reported. The building had been largely evacuated days prior due to its proximity to the Erbil International Airport—home to a U.S. military base—which was targeted on Sunday during the second day of the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.

The attack also caused damage to the nearby Chaldean Daughters of Mary Immaculate convent.

Leaders Call for Peace and Protection

Chaldean Archbishop Bashar Matti Warda issued a poignant reminder of the vulnerability of Iraq's dwindling Christian population, which has seen its numbers plummet from roughly 1.5 million in 2003 to fewer than 250,000 today.

"In times of war and violence, it is always the marginalized who suffer the most," Warda stated. "We pray for solidarity... that our suffering people may yet have a chance to return to lives of peace and dignity."

Fr. Karam Shamasha, provost of the Catholic University in Erbil, confirmed that the charity complex was struck by both a rocket and a drone. He echoed the Archbishop’s call for global prayer and support.

Regional Stakes

The strike occurs against a backdrop of extreme instability. Regina Lynch, Executive President of ACN International, warned on March 2 that the Christian presence in the Middle East is at a breaking point.

  • The McGivney House: Funded by the Knights of Columbus to house families fleeing ISIS.

  • The Catholic University in Erbil: A major educational hub supported by ACN, which provides critical infrastructure and scholarships to help youth remain in their homeland.

Lynch noted that a "new spiral of violence" could push these "already fragile communities beyond the point of survival."

Sources - https://www.churchinneed.org/catholic-facility-in-northern-iraq-damaged-by-apparent-iranian-drone-strike/

https://adiabene.org/damage-to-capilla-mcgivney-residential-complex-in-ankawa-following-rocket-and-drone-attack-with-no-injuries-reported/

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