Iran and Allied Militias Continue Attacks on Iraq's Kurdistan Region

Iran and Iran-backed Shiite militias have intensified surveillance and security activity in Iraq's Kurdistan Region following the withdrawal of US and coalition forces, Kurdish officials say.

Two explosive-laden drones struck a camp housing Iranian Kurdish refugees in Kawrgosk, in the Khabat district about 35 kilometres from Erbil, on the night of 8 October 2026.

Kurdish officials suspect Iran was directly responsible, although many previous strikes have been attributed to Iran-backed militias operating under Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces.

The camp houses members of the Organization of Iranian Kurdistan Struggle and their families. Kurdish officials say the area has been attacked seven times, and that nearly ten other attempted attacks have been thwarted.

According to Kurdistan Regional Government figures, Iran has launched more than 1,000 drone and missile attacks against the Kurdistan Region since late February 2026, killing at least 32 people.

(Source: Voice of America)