Iraq: Iranian cross-border projectile attacks along northern border likely to continue through end-December /update 1

Event

Additional cross-border attacks by the Iranian military against Kurdish militant positions along the Iran-Iraq border in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah governorates are likely to continue through at least end-December. Iranian weaponized drones, artillery, and missiles have struck multiple locations along the Iran-Iraq border since September, including, but not limited to, Choman, Koysinjaq, Zerkeez, and Shitakan. The attacks have killed and wounded dozens of people.

Localized disruptions to transport and business operations are possible near weapon fragment impact sites and areas targeted by projectiles.

Context

Most attacks have targeted sites belonging to Iranian-Kurdish opposition groups, such as the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI). Iranian authorities claim the cross-border strikes will continue until they deem that the threat posed by such groups is "repelled".

Nationwide protests in Iran have been ongoing since mid-September in response to the death of Mahsa Amini, a Kurdish woman. Tehran has accused armed Iranian-Kurdish dissidents and militant organizations of participating in and instigating unrest in the country, particularly in Iran's northwest, where the majority of Iran's 10 million Kurds live.

Advice

Consider avoiding nonessential travel to the Iran-Iraq border regions until the situation stabilizes. Heed the instructions of local security forces. If incoming artillery fire is reported in the general vicinity, stay indoors, away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to a ground floor or basement. Maintain contact with your country's diplomatic mission.