Iran–PJAK conflict

Iran-PJAK conflict

Part of Kurdish separatism in Iran

North West of Iran - the epicenter of PJAK insurrection.

Date

1 April 2004 – present
(main phase 2005–11)
(12 years, 10 months, 1 week and 2 days)

Location

West-Azerbaijan, Kordestan and Kermanshah Provinces in Iran, Kurdistan Region in Iraq and Ağrı Province in Turkey

Status

ongoing:

First cease fire established in September 2011, as Iran's government claimed victory, while PJAK allegedly withdrew from Iranian territory.
PJAK redeploy their positions across the Iran-Iraq border.
Sporadic clashes take place in 2013-2015
Heavy clashes take place in 2016

Belligerents

Iran

Supported by:

Turkey

Kurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK)

Commanders and leaders

Current:

Ali Khamenei (2004–present)
Mohammad Bagheri (2016–present)
Mohammed Ali Jafari (2007–present)
Ataollah Salehi (2005–present)
Hossein Ashtari (2015–present)

Former:

Hassan Firouzabadi (2004–2016)
Mohammad Salimi (2004–2005)
Yahya Rahim Safavi (2004–2007)
Esmail Ahmadi-Moghaddam (2005–2015)
Ali Abdollahi (2005)
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf (2004–2005)

Haji Ahmadi (2004–2011)
Majid Kavian †
Murat Karasac †
Agiri Rojhilat
Zanar Agri
Ihsan Warya
Akif Zagros
Gulistan Dugan

Resit Ehkendi (POW)

Strength

5,000 deployed

15,000 (according to PJAK)

600–1,000 fighters

2,000–3,000 fighters (according to PJAK).

Casualties and losses

PJAK Claim
539 KIA (536 Revolutionary Guard, 3 Police Officers)
1 Helicopter shot down (2004–14, see below)
Iranian Claim
64 KIA Iran's statement

263 KIA
2 Executed
40 Kurdish civilians killed (2004–14, see below)