According to the Hana Human Rights Organization, on the afternoon of Thursday, January 30, 2025, a suicide drone exploded near Mount Kurek, a region in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, before hitting any potential targets.
In this regard, the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Counter-Terrorism Unit issued an official statement, declaring that “a suicide drone was launched at the camp of Iranian Kurdish refugees on the slopes of Mount Kurek in Erbil.” The unit also confirmed that the drone did not strike its intended target and detonated before impact.
It is worth noting that in recent years, particularly during the “Woman, Life, Freedom” movement, the Islamic Republic of Iran has repeatedly targeted the camps of Kurdish opposition parties, resulting in civilian casualties.
Iran’s use of suicide drones disregards its legal obligations under international humanitarian law.
Based on field observations, Hana Human Rights Organization emphasizes that, under the current circumstances, there have been no reported military activities by Kurdish opposition parties against the Islamic Republic. By invoking the preemptive defense doctrine—whose legitimacy remains questionable under international law—Iran not only violates the sovereignty of the Kurdistan Regional Government but is also accused of breaching humanitarian law principles concerning civilian opposition camps.