Special report on Mahabad
The Hana Human Rights Organization, continuing its field-based assessment of conditions in Kurdish cities and amid ongoing communication restrictions and a heightened security environment following recent developments, has released this report based on data collected from local sources regarding the situation in Mahabad.
According to field information, the livelihood conditions of residents in Mahabad have been deteriorating in recent days, with growing concern about the continuation of this trend. Local sources report that food supplies across the city are gradually declining, and some families, particularly those with relatives in rural areas, are relocating to villages to ensure better access to basic necessities and safety. Local estimates suggest that if the current situation continues, the coming week may bring even greater difficulties.
The market in Mahabad remains partially active, with some shops open and others closed. Bakeries and fuel stations continue to operate, but long queues have formed. At the same time, prices of essential goods have risen sharply, with local sources noting that many items have doubled in price within a short period.
Price assessments indicate that a 10-kilogram bag of rice has increased from 1,750,000 tomans to 2,500,000 tomans, five kilograms of sugar from 400,000 to 600,000 tomans, five kilograms of solid cooking oil from 700,000 to 2,000,000 tomans, and one kilogram of black tea from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 tomans. Additionally, 40 kilograms of flour has risen from 600,000 to 2,200,000 tomans, red meat from 700,000 to 1,400,000 tomans, and chicken from 150,000 to 300,000 tomans. The price of gasoline has also increased from 3,000 to 5,000 tomans per liter.
Socially, the general atmosphere in the city is marked by widespread concern about the future. Local sources report that many residents feel uncertain about the outcome of the current political situation. At the same time, a significant portion of the population holds a cautiously positive outlook regarding the possible end of the current governing structure.
From a security perspective, reports indicate that government forces are absent from many of their primary bases, with some units relocated to schools and mosques. Local sources also state that certain police and security units, including emergency response and criminal investigation divisions, have a reduced presence within the city, and in some cases, even emergency calls related to theft go unanswered.
According to available information, a considerable number of Kurdish conscripts have left military garrisons, while some non-local and hardline forces remain in defensive positions. Meanwhile, the families of these forces have been sent back to their home cities, and many of the troops previously stationed in Mahabad have been redeployed to border areas, particularly along the Mahabad to Sardasht route.
The situation of pro-government auxiliary forces is also described as unstable. Local sources report that some of these individuals have significantly reduced their public presence in recent days, with some staying at home and avoiding movement, while others have abandoned their previous locations of deployment or activity.
In terms of security controls, checkpoints on intercity roads have intensified, with increased monitoring of movement along these routes. At the same time, the presence of personnel in civilian clothing has been observed within the city.
Field reports also indicate human casualties resulting from the conflict. According to received information, 17 individuals were killed in one attack targeting the Mahabad Intelligence Department building. Several civilians were also injured, and in a separate incident, a street vendor identified as Abubakr Moghami lost his life. Local sources estimate the number of injured civilians in Mahabad to be around 15.
The Hana Human Rights Organization expresses serious concern over the continued deterioration of living conditions, reduced access to essential goods, and the increased presence of armed forces in public and civilian spaces in Mahabad. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for attention from human rights and humanitarian institutions to the situation of civilians and the protection of their access to basic needs. Hana also considers the deployment of armed forces in schools, mosques, and other civilian locations as a factor that increases risks for urban residents and directly threatens civilian safety.
Hana Human Rights Organization
18 March 2026