Iran has intensified its military operations against Kurdish Iranian opposition factions, recent reports indicate. On Wednesday, Iranian forces launched an attack targeting the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) in the Balisan Valley, located northeast of Erbil, Iraq. This act is part of a broader campaign where Iran has already targeted several other Kurdish groups, including the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI) and Komala, in recent weeks.
Details of the Attack on Kurdish Opposition
According to Rebaz Sharifi, a spokesperson for the PAK, the attack occurred around 9:30 am, with multiple projectiles hitting their positions near the village of Hasanawa. Fortunately, no casualties were reported from this incident. However, a security source noted that the attack likely involved two Hadid-110 drones, although the accuracy of this information remains unverified. Local testimonies reported at least one projectile striking the western side of Bani Harir mountain, approximately 70 kilometers northeast of Erbil.
Iran’s Pursuit of Kurdish Groups
The recent aggression from Iran follows remarks by its Ambassador to Iraq, Mohammed Kazem Al-e Sadegh. He stated on social media that Iran and Iraq had reached an agreement to expel the Kurdish opposition groups. However, these groups have firmly rejected such demands. The Iraqi National Security Council has not referred to this alleged agreement in its recent sessions, suggesting a lack of consensus on the matter. Iran seems to be signaling its desire for Iraq to take definitive action against these Kurdish factions.
Background on the PAK and Kurdish Self-Determination
The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) is a longstanding Kurdish Iranian opposition group based in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The PAK is dedicated to advocating for Kurdish self-determination and has an active armed force. The group gained significant recognition during the fight against ISIS in Iraq, where they collaborated closely with Kurdish Peshmerga forces. Earlier this year, PAK aligned with four other Iranian Kurdish groups to form a coalition aimed at amplifying their unified efforts.
Increased Military Activity by Iran
Since February, Iran has reportedly conducted over 1,000 military operations targeting areas in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. There have been suggestions that the U.S. might support Kurdish groups in their quest against Iranian authority, though many factions within the Kurdish community have been cautious about taking such a radical step. In recent weeks, Iran’s focus has shifted more towards PJAK, another Kurdish group, targeting the Shaho mountains and surrounding areas.
The situation remains fluid as Iranian drone strikes continue to affect opposition groups in northern Iraq. On October 17, for example, two drones were launched against a Komala base in the Balisan district, damaging buildings but fortunately resulting in no casualties. Reports from PDKI indicated similar patterns of attacks against their facilities, signaling a disturbing escalation in Iran’s military objectives.
As the conflict evolves, the intricate relationship between Iraq, Iran, and Kurdish opposition groups becomes increasingly complex. Ongoing military actions and diplomatic tensions may shape the future of the region’s political landscape and the prospects for Kurdish self-determination.