Post by : Badri Ariffin

On July 1 and 2, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) executed a series of missile and drone strikes targeting Kurdish militia camps in the Kurdistan Region near Erbil, Iraq. The operation specifically aimed at a facility linked to the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), an armed Iranian Kurdish group situated close to the Iraqi-Iranian border.

Reports indicate that the IRGC deployed two ballistic missiles and used two drones throughout the operation. Locals captured footage showing significant fires at the targeted sites late at night.

Broader Targets: Multiple Kurdish Groups Affected

The strikes extended beyond just the PAK base. Over 48 hours, Iranian forces attacked installations associated with at least two other Kurdish opposition organizations present in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, utilizing missiles, rockets, and drones.

These Kurdish factions have maintained military footholds in eastern Iraq near the Iranian border for many years.

Border Clashes Lead Up to the Assault

These military actions followed a series of armed confrontations between Iranian security forces and Kurdish opposition groups inside Iranian territory.

Reports detailed at least four violent encounters in Mahabad, Saravan, and Paveh from June 29 to July 1.

According to Iranian sources, five IRGC personnel lost their lives during clashes on June 29 and 30. The Kurdish side also reported casualties, claiming that on July 1, six members of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan were killed, alongside four members of the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) on June 30.

Escalating Regional Tensions

These recent events coincide with heightened regional tensions arising from the ongoing US-Israel initiative against Iran, launched on February 28.

A report by the New York Times from May 2026 noted that certain Kurdish groups were anticipated to conduct attacks and reposition themselves into Iran as part of initial US-Israel military strategies, although President Trump later opted against this operation. The Kurdish factions have denied any acquisition of weaponry.

During the conflict's inception, Israeli forces targeted border facilities along the Iran-Iraq boundary and Iranian military posts where Kurdish forces were active.

In retaliation, Iranian forces conducted numerous strikes involving drones, rockets, and missiles against Kurdish military sites across the Kurdistan Region in Iraq.

Uncertain Casualty Figures

Kurdish factions reported that the Iranian strikes led to the deaths of five militia members and a 17-year-old boy.

Conversely, Iranian officials claimed the total fatalities reached dozens.

The FRANCE 24 Observers team has stated it could not independently verify the casualty figures reported by either party.

Key Iranian Kurdish Opposition Organizations

Four main Iranian Kurdish opposition groups operate as both political and military entities.

Founded in the 1940s, the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan, and Komala, created in the 1960s, are among the oldest.

The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), established in 2006, and the Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), founded in 2004, are more recent. PJAK is aligned with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The PKK had previously been the main armed Kurdish faction active in Iraq and Turkey until its disbandment announcement in May 2025. The PKK is classified as a terrorist organization by the EU, US, and Israel.

Conflict Renewed Following Ceasefire

During the ongoing conflict, Iranian military efforts primarily targeted Komala and the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan.

After a US-Iran ceasefire was declared on June 17, several Iranian Kurdish armed groups resumed hostilities against Iranian forces. These operations reportedly included the assassination of IRGC members and tactical ambushes.

Recent weeks have seen additional confrontations in Iran's Kurdish territory involving the IRGC, PJAK, and fighters from the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan.

#Global News #Iran News #Global Updates #World News