Iran: Five killed in clashes in Kermanshah province October 12

Event

According to Iranian security officials, clashes broke out between Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) soldiers and two Kurdish fighters (Peshmerga) in Paveh (Kermanshah province) on Friday, October 12. Reports indicate that three IRGC soldiers and two Peshmerga fighters were killed in the skirmish. Further clashes involving Iranian soldiers and Peshmerga fighters are possible in the near-term.

Context

This skirmish took place as part of a broader Kurdish offensive in Iran following an Iranian missile attack on the offices of the Kurdish Democratic Party (KDP) in Koya (Iraq) on September 8. The threat posed by militancy remains high in all of Iran's border areas, especially in the west and the east, partly due to weak border monitoring by neighboring countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Advice

Individuals in Iran are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid the border regions, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.