Peregraf
Iranian Kurdish opposition groups have expressed their apprehension regarding the compelled relocation from Zrgwez area of Sulaymaniyah to the Surdash camp in the Dukan district, labeling it as a "breach of the dignity of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)." They urge the KRG to "establish clear red lines concerning the demands and pressures exerted by the Islamic Republic and its representative, the Iraqi state."
On September 6, 2024, a contingent of Komala members along with their families was relocated to Surdash camp, marking the initial phase of Iran's efforts to enforce the agreement established with Iraq two years prior.
The Kurdistan Organization of the Communist Party of Iran (Komala), along with the Komala Zahmetkeshan Party and the Revolutionary Association of Kurdistan Workers of Iran, which constitute the armed opposition in Iran, have established their presence in three villages located in the Zrgoez region of Sulyamaniyah province for the past three decades, maintaining their headquarters in that area.
Throughout the previous year, following the security agreement established between Iraq and Iran, multiple meetings have been conducted with officials from the KRG and Iraqi authorities. Attempts were made to persuade them to refrain from relocating, yet these efforts proved unsuccessful.
The delegation from the Iraqi government convened with Komala in Sulaimaniyah. According to a statement from the Central Committee of Komala, "The only notable concession they demonstrated was allowing our allies to reside as citizens within the cities of the Kurdistan Region, leading to a stalemate in the negotiations".
Discussions subsequently continued with the PUK, the ruling party in Sulaimaniyah. "We underscored that the Islamic Republic's persistent demand for the transfer of opposition parties is unrelated to any security threat it purportedly encounters from the Kurdistan Region via our actions. Rather, it constitutes a form of psychological warfare directed at the Kurdish populace and represents an additional infringement upon the dignity of the Kurdistan Regional Government," stated Komala in an official announcement.
Komala expresses significant disapproval of the PUK, stating, "It is undeniable that the smoke and repercussions of this policy will adversely affect the PUK. We have stressed the importance of not allowing yourselves to be used as tools of this policy, even if it may seem beneficial for your long-term objectives."
The security accord established between Iraq and Iran was formalized in March 2023, with the participation of the KRG Interior Minister. A key component of this agreement is the disarmament of Iranian Kurdish factions and their relocation to designated camps, which has now been implemented.
A high-ranking official from the PUK underscores his party's support for the efforts and sacrifices made by the Iranian Kurdish parties; however, he candidly acknowledges that his party lacks influence in this matter, noting that the pressure from Iran is both "intense and threatening."
The PUK official who declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue, remarked that "the relocation of the Iranian Kurdish Parties parties to Surdash is not associated with our party. This action falls under an agreement between Iraq and Iran, which Iraq has committed to uphold. The Iranian authorities are persistently exerting pressure and have issued threats to bombard the headquarters of these parties should the agreement fail to be executed."
Iran has a history of launching missile strikes against the Kurdistan Region, justifying these actions by referencing the perceived threat posed by "separatist armed groups" operating near its borders. In late 2022, the frequency and intensity of these attacks increased, with IRGC forces specifically targeting the headquarters of Iranian Kurdish political parties deep inside the Kurdistan region using ballistic missiles and kamikaze drone strikes. This escalation resulted in the deaths of approximately 20 party members and injuries to over 50 individuals.
An injured member of Komala as a result of the Iranian bombing in Zrgwez, September 28, 2022. Photo; Hardi Osman– Peregraf
The Iranian Kurdish parties recognize the delicate nature of the circumstances and the pressure exerted by Iran on the Kurdistan Region; however, they assert that neither Iraq nor the Kurdistan Region should be entirely bow to such pressures.
"We believe that the KRG is capable of drawing some red lines for the demands and pressures imposed by the Islamic Republic and its representative, the Iraqi state," Komala said in a statement.
Komala adds that "it is possible for them to establish boundaries on the interference of this regime in their internal matters, without resorting to prejudice or hostility, while simultaneously preserving their political and commercial ties with the Islamic Republic, which will undoubtedly enhance their position".
The onset of the forced relocation of Iranian Kurdish parties to the camp coincides with the impending second anniversary of Zhina Amini's death. Arrangements are underway to honor his memory both within Iranian Kurdistan and internationally. The Iranian Kurdish parties anticipate that the local populace will engage in a significant protest.
Zhina Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish girl hailing from Saqqez, was apprehended on September 13, 2022, while en route to Tehran with her brother. Subsequently, her health declined, necessitating hospitalization, and she tragically passed away on the 16th of that month.
The questionable circumstances surrounding Zhina's death have ignited extensive protests throughout Iran. Family members and certain activists assert that she succumbed to injuries sustained from beatings during her transport to a police station, a claim that has been denied by the Iranian government.
Human rights organizations have reported that hundreds of individuals have lost their lives, with many more injured and detained, following the protests that have erupted in Iranian Kurdistan and numerous other cities and towns across Iran in response to Zhina's death. This period is often referred to as "the Revolution of Zhina" by many observers.
Iran has consistently alleged that Iranian Kurdish factions are implicated in the domestic protests within the country, prompting the government to intensify efforts to diminish their influence and prevent their presence near its borders.
The compelled relocation of Iranian Kurdish political parties from Zrgwez to Surdash follows a request made by Iraqi National Security Advisor Qassem al-Araaji on August 19, 2024, to the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced, urging the allocation of the Surdash camp for the housing of Iranian opposition parties.
On the same day, Ivan Faiq, the Iraqi Minister of Migration and Displaced, replied to al-Araaji's correspondence, indicating his lack of objection to the request and consenting to designate the Surdash camp for this purpose.
Qassem al-Araaji's official letter to the Iraqi Ministry of Migration and Displaced
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Iraqi Minister of Migration and Displaced response to al-Araaji's letter
