Irbil- Over the past few days, fierce battles between the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the opposing Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) forces led to the demise of over eight IRGC troops and left 14 others injured, reported the KDP.
Most clashes took place northwest Iran in Oshnavieh city, situated at the border zone, wedged between Iran, Turkey and Iraqi Kurdistan.
As a result of IRGC shelling Oshnavieh and its vicinity, a large number of Kurdish civilians were killed and injured Thursday morning, KDP forces reported. On the other hand, the IRGC recounted the death of three of its fighters.
Moreover, KDP leader Rustam Jhankiri told Asharq Al Awsat that battles fought in Oshnavieh killed and injured 20 IRGC members among which is assistant commander Maj. Gen. Samad Bostani.
Jhankiri added that the IRGC sent comprising troops, high-caliber artillery and tanks for reinforcement, after the clashes were over. With backing’s arrival, IRGC fighters pounded Kurdish villages bringing about the death of innocents, who until now remain unaccounted for, after monstrous devastation ripping through neighborhoods.
Iran-based Fars News Agency circulated a statement made by IRGC ground forces concerning two anti-Iran groups infiltrating Oshnavieh. IRGC members afterwards zeroed in on them, killing 12. IRGC’s Sepah “News” was the media outlet which registered the death of three IRGC members at the battles.
Iran’s Police Chief Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari revealed that a number of Kurdish fighters and ammo stockpiles have been apprehended by Iranian authorities.
However, Ashtari failed to give a specific number or details on the weaponry or so-called fighters taken. Three days after bloodied battles, Ashtari claimed that police forces had arrested alleged terrorists.
Iranian police also acknowledged the death of a member in action.
Alternatively, Iran-opposing Baloch faction, “Jaish al Adl”, revoked all Iranian allegations on taking down terrorists.