September–October 2022 attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan explained

September–November 2022 attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan
Location:Koya, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Date:28 September 2022
Partof:Kurdish-Iranian conflict, Mahsa Amini protests
Target:Bases of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan
Type:Drone bombing campaign
Fatalities:20 (per Kurdish officials)[1] [2]
Injuries:72 injured (per Kurdish officials)[3] [4]
4 Iraqi security officers (per Iraq)
Perpetrator: IRGC
Motive:Targeting sites of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups whom Tehran accused of orchestrating protests after Mahsa Amini death

On September 28, 2022, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted drone, artillery and missile attacks against Iranian-Kurdish bases in Koya, northern Iraq.[5] Sources reported at least 20 deaths, including women and children, and 72+ injuries.[6]

The attack was a response to the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and other Kurdish groups calling for more protests in the Mahsa Amini protests, which Tehran accused of being foreign agents.

Gen. Hasan Hasanzadeh of the Revolutionary Guard said 185 Basijis, a volunteer force, were injured by "machete and knife" in the unrest. Hasanzadeh also said rioters broke the skull of one of the Basij members. He added that five Basijis are hospitalized in intensive care.[5]

On September 28, the U.S. had also shot down an Iranian Qods Mohajer-6 drone with an F-15 after it posed a threat to U.S. forces in the area.[7]

Similar attacks continued in the coming days, and casualties have increased to 18 deaths and 62 injuries as of October 4.[8] Among the killed was an American citizen.[9]

On November 14, Iranian airstrikes on the headquarters of Iranian Kurdish parties operating in Iraqi Kurdistan continued, killing at least two people and injuring 10 others.[10]

Iraq's Foreign Ministry, the Kurdistan Regional Government and the United States condemned the strikes.[7]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 2022-10-04 . Iran continues missile attack on Iraq's Kurdistan . 2022-10-04 . Middle East Monitor . en-GB.
  2. News: 2022-11-14 . Iran strikes dissident sites in Iraqi Kurdistan, two dead - officials . en . Reuters . 2023-10-27.
  3. Web site: 2022-10-04 . Iran continues missile attack on Iraq's Kurdistan. 2022-10-04 . Middle East Monitor . en-GB.
  4. News: 2022-11-14 . Iran strikes dissident sites in Iraqi Kurdistan, two dead - officials . en . Reuters . 2023-10-27.
  5. Web site: 2022-09-28 . Kurdish officials: Death toll climbs in Iranian drone attack . 2022-09-28 . AP NEWS . en.
  6. Web site: 2022-09-28 . Iran launches airstrike against Kurdish group in northern Iraq . 2022-09-28 . The Guardian . en.
  7. Web site: 2022-09-29 . A U.S. citizen was killed in Iranian attack in Iraq, State Dept. says . 2023-10-27 . NBC News . en.
  8. Web site: 2022-10-04 . Iran continues missile attack on Iraq's Kurdistan . 2022-10-04 . Middle East Monitor . en-GB.
  9. Web site: 2022-09-30 . U.S. national, mom and infant among those killed as Iran rains missiles down on Kurds in northern Iraq - CBS News . 2023-10-27 . www.cbsnews.com . en-US.
  10. News: 2022-11-14 . Iran strikes dissident sites in Iraqi Kurdistan, two dead - officials . en . Reuters . 2023-10-27.