September–October 2022 attacks on Iraqi Kurdistan
On September 28, 2022, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) conducted drone, artillery and missile attacks against Iranian-Kurdish bases in Koya, northern Iraq.[1] Sources reported at least thirteen deaths, including women and children, and 58+ injuries.[2]
| 2022 Koya drone bombing | |
|---|---|
| Part of Kurdish-Iranian conflict, Mahsa Amini protests | |
| Location | Koya, Kurdistan Region, Iraq |
| Date | 28 September 2022 |
| Target | Bases of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan |
Attack type | Drone bombing campaign |
| Deaths | 18 (per Kurdish officials) |
| Injured | 62 civilians (per Kurdish officials) 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 |
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.[1]
Similar attacks continued in the coming days, and casualties have increased to 18 deaths and 62 injuries as of October 4.[3]
Iraq's Foreign Ministry and the Kurdistan Regional Government have condemned the strikes.[1]
References
- "Kurdish officials: Death toll climbs in Iranian drone attack". AP NEWS. September 28, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- "Iran launches airstrike against Kurdish group in northern Iraq". The Guardian. September 28, 2022. Retrieved September 28, 2022.
- "Iran continues missile attack on Iraq's Kurdistan". Middle East Monitor. October 4, 2022. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
