IRGC says ‘separatist groups’ targeted in Iraq’s Kurdish region
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) says they targeted “three locations of separatist groups” in Iraq’s Kurdish region this morning.
“If separatist groups in the region make any move against Iran’s territorial integrity, we will crush them,” the IRGC statement carried by the Tasnim news agency said.
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‘Strong probability of action’: Iranian Kurdish group plan possible ground push in Iran
Babasheikh Hosseini, the Iraq-based secretary-general of the Khabat Organization of Iranian Kurdistan, has told Al Jazeera it is highly likely that Iraq-based Iranian Kurdish fighters will stage a ground operation in Iran, confirming that the US had made contact “through various channels”.
Asked by Al Jazeera whether his fighters are already mounting a ground operation, Hosseini replied, “At this moment, no. We are not currently engaged in any offensive operations.”
He added, however, that “we have been planning for a long time and now that conditions are more favorable, there is a strong probability of action”.
Hosseini said no final decision has yet been made, but “it is highly likely we will move forward with a ground operation”.
More of his comments:
“The Americans have contacted us through various channels but until now, we have not met directly – but they contacted us.
“They asked what we should do with this regime, what are the ways and talking if we could cooperate together in the future – only in that context.
“There’s been no direct communication until now but through intermediaries, through other Kurdish people.
“When the time comes and we meet with them, it becomes clear in the operational field. Of course in the operational field we need weaponry, explosives and also advanced equipment.
“As you now, the equipment we have is basic and old, today’s wars are more advanced than before, so if there was something like this, we have this request.”
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Air strike targets PMF base in Iraq: Report
A strike has hit a base belonging to Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) south of the city of Mosul, two PMF sources told AFP.
One official said the base, belonging to the former paramilitary coalition known as Hashed al-Shaabi, was struck in what they described as a likely US air attack.
A second source confirmed that a strike had taken place.
The PMF is an alliance of armed groups that was formed to fight ISIL (ISIS) and has since been integrated into Iraq’s security forces. The coalition includes several powerful factions backed by Iran.
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Erdogan speaks with Iraqi Kurdish leader amid regional tension
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has spoken by phone with Nechirvan Barzani, president of the Iraqi Kurdistan Regional Government, to discuss the latest developments in the region.
According to a statement from the Turkish presidency, the two leaders discussed the trajectory of the escalating conflicts in the Middle East.
Erdogan said Turkey stands with Iraq during what he described as a critical period and warned against developments that could push the region into a prolonged crisis.
He also said Ankara was closely monitoring movements by “organisations and affiliated groups”.
The call comes amid reports that some Kurdish armed groups in the region may be coordinating with US forces in relation to the conflict with Iran.
Erdogan added that Turkey was working intensively to help end the conflicts in the region and return to negotiations.
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