Iran launches operation against Kurdish groups in Iraq as missile and drone attacks escalate

Iranian forces have carried out a military operation targeting Kurdish armed groups in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region, as the regional war involving Iran, the United States and Israel entered its sixth day. The strikes came alongside a new wave of Iranian missile and drone attacks directed at Israeli and US assets in the Middle East.

Kurdish groups targeted

Iran’s state broadcaster Press TV reported that the operation targeted what it described as “anti-Iran separatist forces.” The report did not initially specify the exact locations of the strikes.

Iran’s intelligence ministry later confirmed that it had struck positions belonging to “separatist groups” allegedly attempting to enter Iran through its western borders, adding that the groups suffered heavy losses.

In a statement carried by state media, the ministry also claimed that Iranian forces were cooperating with what it described as “noble Kurds” to thwart an alleged “Israeli-American” plan to attack Iranian territory.

Explosions reported in Sulaymaniyah

Several explosions were reported in Iraq’s northern province of Sulaymaniyah during the operation. Local media said at least four blasts were heard near the areas of Arabat, Zarkuiz and Surdash.

Local sources indicated that the strikes targeted the headquarters of the Kurdistan Toilers Association, also known as Komala, an Iranian Kurdish armed group operating in Iraq.

Reports of contacts with the US

The attacks come amid reports that Iranian Kurdish armed groups had recently consulted with US officials about whether and how to launch attacks against Iranian security forces in western Iran and what level of support they might receive from Washington.

According to Reuters, a coalition of Iranian Kurdish groups based along the Iran-Iraq border had been training to carry out such operations in hopes of weakening Iran’s military capabilities.

Earlier, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency denied reports that Kurdish fighters had crossed into Iran from Iraq.

New wave of missile and drone attacks

As the operation against Kurdish groups unfolded, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also announced a new wave of missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US assets across the region.

Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the country’s air defence system intercepted two drones over the western Galilee region. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted at least three drones, while authorities in Qatar ordered evacuations near the US Embassy in Doha.

Explosions across Iran

Meanwhile, US and Israeli strikes on Iran continued, with explosions reported in Tehran and the Kurdish cities of Sanandaj, Saqqez and Bukan.

The Israeli military confirmed that its air force destroyed a ballistic missile platform in the Iranian city of Qom that was preparing to launch an attack.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it was aiming to eliminate Iran’s mobile missile launch capabilities.

Iran, in response, activated its air defence systems, according to the Tasnim news agency.

Journalists in Tehran reported that another wave of strikes began shortly after midnight, with powerful explosions heard in the eastern parts of the capital.

Reports indicate that a significant number of residents have begun leaving Tehran amid the ongoing attacks, although many remain in the city despite growing anxiety and uncertainty.