Iran says it targeted 'separatist groups' at western borders

Iran's intelligence ministry said on Thursday that it had targeted positions belonging to "separatist groups" attempting to enter the country through its western borders, adding that the militants sustained heavy losses during the security operations.

According to the ministry, the operations were carried out in coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The targeted groups are believed to include Iranian Kurdish opposition militias such as the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan and the Komala Party. These organisations have operated for decades from bases in the neighbouring Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

In recent months, the groups have reportedly formed a unified coalition aimed at challenging the government in Tehran.

International coordination

The border clashes come amid reports that Kurdish militias have recently held consultations with the U.S. Sources familiar with the matter said the discussions focused on whether, and how, to organise attacks against Iranian security forces stationed in western provinces.

Military and intelligence analysts say the U.S. and Israel may be exploring options to arm exiled opposition groups as a way to stretch Tehran’s military resources. Such a strategy could open a new ground insurgency while Iran’s armed forces confront an ongoing campaign of aerial bombardment.

Preemptive regional strikes

In a statement carried by state media, Iran’s intelligence ministry said its forces were cooperating successfully with what it described as “noble Kurds” in the region.

Officials said the border operations were intended to thwart what they described as a coordinated Israeli and U.S. plan to attack Iranian territory and destabilise the country.

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Iran’s military has recently intensified operations against Kurdish militant positions in response to the alleged threat. The campaign has included pre-emptive drone and ballistic missile strikes against suspected arms depots and headquarters located just across the border in Iraqi territory.

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News Iran Israel separatist western borders Middle East