Iranian Guard Attacks Militant Group Amid Chaos

Iranian authorities have cut internet access and restricted Instagram and WhatsApp to stifle protests.

State media reported that Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guard attacked a Kurdish militant group’s base in northern Iraq on Saturday, a week after widespread anti-government protests erupted over the death of a young woman in police custody.

The death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in custody after being detained by the Iranian morality police, has sparked unrest throughout Iran’s provinces and the capital, Tehran. Amini’s family is from the Kurdish region of Iran.

IRNA reported that the Guard’s ground forces fired artillery from positions in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province against a “terrorist group” based in Iraq. The report provided no details.

IRNA also reported that members of the so-called “Komleh” separatist group in Iran were arrested by intelligence forces, without providing further details.

According to a statement cited by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, which is believed to be close to Iran’s military, the operation will continue to ensure border security.

Tasnim added that the attack occurred at 16:00 local time, targeted the bases of Kurdish separatist groups in northern Iraq, and caused severe damage to them.

According to the report, the Guard’s attacks were in response to the separatist group’s support for the recent unrest in the country and their attempt to import weapons into Iran.

State television reported on Saturday that 41 protesters and police officers have been killed since the protests began the previous week. He stated the Interior Ministry would release official statistics. The Associated Press reports that there have been at least eleven deaths on both sides since protests began following Amini’s funeral.

To stifle the protests, Iranian authorities have also disrupted or cut internet access and tightened restrictions on popular platforms such as Instagram and WhatsApp.

Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, tweeted on Monday that his satellite internet company Starlink would apply for permission to operate in Iran. Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser, stated that the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control would determine the next steps for Starlink.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced on Friday that it would allow American technology companies to expand their operations in Iran, one of the most heavily sanctioned nations, to improve internet access for the Iranian people.

Iran’s foreign ministry criticized the U.S. move and stated that “attempts to violate Iran’s sovereignty will not go unanswered.”

In a tweet, Nasser Kanaani, a spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, accused the United States of “evil intentions.” He stated that Washington was “easing communications sanctions while maintaining Max Pressure.” Both were intended to create instability.”