Iran Mobilizes Forces on Iraqi-Kurdish Border

Khosrawi border crossing between Iraq and Iran (File photo: AFP)
Khosrawi border crossing between Iraq and Iran (File photo: AFP)
TT
20

Iran Mobilizes Forces on Iraqi-Kurdish Border

Khosrawi border crossing between Iraq and Iran (File photo: AFP)
Khosrawi border crossing between Iraq and Iran (File photo: AFP)

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) mobilized a large force on the border with the Iraqi-Kurdistan region, threatening to attack bases of Kurdish opposition groups if they continue to pose a threat to Iran.

The Kurdish media network Rudaw reported that during a meeting at the Mariwan border region, IRGC’s Brigadier General Mohammad Pakpour said his troops were targeting sites of hostile forces within Iraqi territories and the Kurdistan region, adding that they will continue to do so in the future.

“We would strike any location where terrorists are present, organized, and stationed… We will vigorously continue to cleanse the region of terrorists,” stressed Pakpour.

The Brigadier General indicated that the Kurdistan region and Iraq should enhance their monitoring of the borders, asking residents to stay away from the areas near the sites targeted by Iran.

Rudaw reported that a few days ago, IRGC began transporting heavily armed forces to the border areas between Iran’s Mariwan and Iraq’s Penjwen. It also warned the residents against approaching these areas until the end of this week.

On Tuesday, IRGC announced it was conducting major maneuvers in the Mariwan region, with the participation of ground and air forces, drones, and special task forces.

Meanwhile, the leadership of the Eastern Kurdistan Protection Units, the military wing of Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK), announced that Iran mobilized large forces on the border villages of Mariwan and established large military bases.

The Units issued a statement saying the Iranian forces ordered shepherds to leave those areas, adding that drones flew over the area and artillery units shelled border areas for two hours Tuesday morning.

The Kurdistan Democratic Party announced that the Revolutionary Guard started to establish military bases in the villages on the border of Sardasht, adding that the Corps is also pushing residents towards fighting among its ranks.

Meanwhile, Turkey continues its “Claw-Tiger” operation to neutralize Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), in northern Iraq.

Last week, Baghdad summoned the ambassadors of Turkey and Iran protesting their ongoing military actions and violations of Iraqi sovereignty.



Houthis: Ceasefire Deal with US Does Not Include Israel

Members of the media take pictures of a destroyed plane at Sanaa International Airport, in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike, in Sanaa, Yemen, May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
Members of the media take pictures of a destroyed plane at Sanaa International Airport, in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike, in Sanaa, Yemen, May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
TT
20

Houthis: Ceasefire Deal with US Does Not Include Israel

Members of the media take pictures of a destroyed plane at Sanaa International Airport, in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike, in Sanaa, Yemen, May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah
Members of the media take pictures of a destroyed plane at Sanaa International Airport, in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike, in Sanaa, Yemen, May 7, 2025. REUTERS/Khaled Abdullah

A ceasefire deal between Yemen's Houthis and the US does not include sparing Israel, the group said on Wednesday, suggesting its shipping attacks that have disrupted global trade and challenged world powers will not come to a complete halt.

President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday the US would stop bombing the Iran-aligned Houthis in Yemen, saying that the group had agreed to stop attacking US ships.

After Trump made the announcement, Oman said it had mediated the ceasefire deal to halt attacks on US vessels.

There have been no reports of Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea area since January.

"The agreement does not include Israel in any way, shape or form," Mohammed Abdulsalam, the chief Houthi negotiator, told Reuters.

"As long as they announced the cessation (of US strikes) and they are actually committed to that, our position was self-defense so we will stop."
While tensions may have eased between the United States and the Houthis, the agreement does not rule out attacks on any other Israel-linked vessels or targets.
The US intensified strikes on the Houthis this year, to stop attacks on Red Sea shipping.