On Sept. 3, Iranian state television announced an IRGC invasion of
Iraq's Kandil mountains, deemed the stronghold of the Kurdish Workers Party
and its affiliate Party of Free Life of Kurdistan. IRIB television said the
operation was meant to expel Kurdish fighters from the Iranian-Iraqi border, Middle East Newsline reported.
"In continuation the series of operations, IRGC killed and wounded 30 of
the members of the PJAK terrorist group," IRGC operations officer Col. Hamid
Ahmadi said.
PJAK has acknowledged the IRGC operation. Kurdish rebels claimed heavy
casualties among the invading Iranian troops and said Teheran was
coordinating with Turkey, which has also been attacking the Kandil
mountains.
Officials said PJAK, accused by Iran of being trained by British and
U.S. intelligence, has been attacking natural gas pipelines. They said the
latest IRGC
operation would last several weeks and move deep into Kandil.
"This operation is aimed at clearing the infected northwestern border
area and started from the Sardasht Heights," IRGC said. "Heavy blows have
been inflicted. The operation will continue until the border areas are
completely cleared and lasting security has been established."
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