Iran launches targeted strikes against Kurdish groups and Israeli targets

Iranian Forces Launch Operation Against Kurdish Groups in Iraq

Iranian forces have launched an operation targeting Kurdish groups in their semi-autonomous region of neighboring Iraq. The military also began its 19th wave of missile and drone attacks against Israel and United States assets in the Middle East, marking the sixth day of a regional conflict.

According to reports, Iranian intelligence ministry confirmed that it targeted posts of “separatist groups” who intended to enter through western borders, resulting in heavy losses. The statement also claimed that Iranian forces are cooperating with “noble Kurds” to thwart an Israeli-American plan to attack Iranian soil.

The new strikes on Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region occurred nearly one week into the US-Israel war against Iran, which has resulted in at least 1,045 deaths across the country since Saturday. Video clips posted by Press TV showed explosions lighting up the night sky during the operation.

Local media reported multiple blasts in the province of Sulaimaniyah in northern Iraq, targeting the headquarters of the Kurdistan Toilers Association, an Iranian Kurdish armed group. The attacks come amid reports that Iranian Kurdish armed groups have consulted with the US about whether and how to attack Iran’s security forces in the western part of the country.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also announced the latest round of attacks against Israel and US assets in the Middle East early on Thursday. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting at least three drones, while Qatar ordered the evacuation of homes near the US Embassy in Doha.

The US and Israel continue to pound Iran, with explosions shaking Tehran as well as the Kurdish cities of Sanandaj, Saqqez, and Bukan. The Israeli military confirmed a new wave of attacks on Iran, stating that its air force “attacked and destroyed” a ballistic missile platform preparing to launch an attack from the Iranian city of Qom.

Iran has activated its air defenses in response to the attacks, with reports indicating that the country is experiencing a significant escalation of violence. The situation remains fluid, with multiple parties involved in the conflict.

Source: Al Jazeera