Iran used illegal white phosphorus incendiary in drone attack, say Kurdish fighters - report

The Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) has accused Iran of employing white phosphorus in a drone attack targeting one of its bases in the Kurdistan Region of Northern Iraq on July 19. This accusation comes amid ongoing Iranian attacks against Kurdish Iranian dissident groups operating in the region.

“

The Islamic Republic of Iran used munitions containing white phosphorus.

PAK asserts that based on eyewitness observations, medical examinations of nine wounded Peshmerga fighters, and the significant fires resulting from the attack, the munitions used contained white phosphorus. The group stated that this constitutes a grave crime and a clear violation of international humanitarian law.

“

based on eyewitness observations, medical examinations of nine wounded Peshmerga fighters, and the extensive fires caused at the targeted site, the munitions employed in the drone attack are believed to have contained white phosphorus.

Hussein Yazdanpanah, President of PAK and General Commander of its military wing, the SMK, issued a statement detailing the alleged use of the incendiary substance. He emphasized that munitions causing severe incendiary effects and widespread harm are incompatible with humanitarian principles and international legal obligations.

“

This act is not only a grave crime but also a clear violation of the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. The use of munitions that inflict severe incendiary effects and cause widespread harm to people and the environment is incompatible with humanitarian principles and the international legal obligations of states.

The PAK is urging the international community, including the United Nations Secretary-General, the UN Security Council, the UN Human Rights Council, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to take legal measures to hold the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable for this alleged act. White phosphorus is a chemical substance often used by militaries for illumination, smoke screens, and as an incendiary, known for being difficult to extinguish and causing severe burns.

“

We call upon the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the United Nations Security Council, the United Nations Human Rights Council, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and all relevant international institutions to take the necessary legal measures to hold the Islamic Republic of Iran accountable.