Social media posts appeared to show missiles hitting the ground and large explosions.

Local television channel Kurdistan24, whose studios are not far from the US consulate, posted images on social networks of its damaged offices, with collapsed sections of false ceiling and broken glass.

Omed Khoshnaw, the governor of Erbil, said it was not clear if the target was the US consulate or the city’s airport.

However, Hiwa Afandi, deputy head of the Kurdistan Regional Government, said on Twitter: “Erbil International Airport was NOT the target. All good there.

“The missiles used this time were different, bigger, more accurate and I believe require proper launch systems.”

Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani said: “We condemn this terrorist attack launched against several sectors of Arbil, we call on the inhabitants to remain calm.”

Erbil has been attacked repeatedly over the last few years.

In February last year a rocket attack killed a civilian contractor, and injured a member of the US armed services and several American contractors.

In July an explosive drone hit coalition headquarters at the airport.

On the 20th anniversary of September 11, US troops at the airport were also targeted with exploding drones.

The US has said Shiite militias aligned with Iran were responsible for those attacks.