Iran used illegal white phosphorus incendiary in drone attack, Kurdish dissident group claims

Iran is accused of using illegal white phosphorus incendiary munitions in a drone attack on a Kurdish dissident group's base in the Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq, according to the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK). The attack occurred on Sunday, targeting the Kurdistan National Army (SMK), a unit of PAK fighters. PAK claimed that the drone strike included white phosphorus, a banned weapon under international humanitarian law. The PAK, one of several Kurdish Iranian opposition groups operating in the region, stated that the attack was based on eyewitness accounts, medical evaluations of nine injured Peshmerga fighters, and the visible damage left at the site. According to the group, the use of white phosphorus caused extensive fires and posed serious risks to both personnel and the environment. The PAK is part of a broader coalition of Kurdish Iranian dissident groups opposing the Iranian government, including the PDKI, PJAK, two branches of the Komala party, and the Khabat group. These groups have historically operated from bases in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq due to repression within Iran. Hussein Yazdanpanah, the leader of the PAK and commander of the SMK, issued a statement condemning the attack as a violation of international law. He emphasized that the use of incendiary weapons is inconsistent with humanitarian principles and the legal obligations of states. White phosphorus, a chemical substance known for its ability to ignite and stick to surfaces, is commonly used for illumination and smoke screens but is classified as a prohibited weapon in warfare due to its potential to cause severe burns and long-term health issues. The World Health Organization describes white phosphorus as a waxy, yellowish or colorless chemical with a garlic-like odor. Once ignited, it is extremely difficult to extinguish and can adhere to skin and clothing, leading to prolonged exposure and injury. The PAK warned that the continued use of such weapons by Iran could lead to further violations of international norms and endanger civilian populations. The PAK called for action from global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and the United Nations Human Rights Council, urging them to investigate and hold Iran accountable. They also urged local authorities in the Kurdistan Region to safeguard the security and rights of residents against cross-border attacks. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) lacks effective air defense systems, making it vulnerable to drone strikes. In recent months, Iranian-backed militias have launched over 900 attacks on the region, resulting in casualties and infrastructure damage. The U.S., which maintains a significant presence in the area through its consulate in Erbil and military forces, has occasionally intercepted drone threats. However, the effectiveness of such interventions has been limited. Recently, at least nine Kurdish dissidents were killed in an Iranian attack on the Komala party, highlighting the ongoing conflict between Iranian-backed forces and Kurdish resistance groups. The PAK reiterated that silence in response to the use of prohibited weapons enables further violence. They stressed that defending human dignity, protecting civilians, and upholding international humanitarian law are collective responsibilities. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical tensions in the region, where Kurdish groups continue to resist Iranian influence while seeking support from external powers.