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Iran threatening Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq as it strikes Israel - analysis

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Analysis Named sources Context piece
  • Iran is conducting ballistic missile attacks on Israel and simultaneously targeting Iranian Kurdish opposition groups within Iraq.
  • These strikes in Iraq, including drone attacks near Erbil and Sulaimaniya, aim to prevent Iran from losing its influence in the country and to create a new frontline.
  • The targeted groups, such as PAK, PDKI, and Komala, have fled to Iraq and maintain an opposition network there, which Iran has long sought to dismantle.

Iran is employing a dual strategy of attacking Israel while also striking Kurdish opposition groups in Iraq, aiming to maintain its regional influence and control over Iraq. Recent drone strikes hit an Iranian Kurdish opposition camp east of Erbil and another camp west of Sulaimaniya, according to security sources cited by Reuters.

Iraq has found itself at the center of this conflict, with its airspace closed during Iranian attacks on Israel. The country serves as a potential frontline for Iran, which has previously mobilized Iran-backed militias in Iraq to attack Kurdish and US targets following American and Israeli strikes on Iran. These militias carried out at least 800 attacks in the autonomous Kurdistan Region.

Two drone strikes hit an Iranian Kurdish opposition camp east of Iraq’s Erbil.

— security sourcesReuters reported on drone strikes hitting an Iranian Kurdish opposition camp.

The primary targets have been Kurdish opposition groups like the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK), the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (PDKI), and Komala, which have united to coordinate dissident activities against Iran. These groups, along with others like PJAK and Khabat, have established an opposition network in Iraq's Kurdistan Region. Iran has consistently sought to shut down these bases and facilities, sometimes launching missiles and drones directly from Iran or using Shi'ite pro-Iranian militias operating within Iraq.

there were two drone attacks on Sunday near Iraq’s Sulaimaniya, one targeting a base of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces and the other striking a camp housing Iranian Kurdish opposition groups west of the city.

— security sourcesReuters reported on drone attacks near Sulaimaniya.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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