At least 15 Kurdish kolbars killed or injured along Iran-Iraq border in August

NEWSROOM — At least 15 Kurdish kolbars were killed or injured along the Iraq-Iran border in August 2024, according to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights. The majority of these incidents, 86.5%, were caused by direct gunfire from the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, highlighting the severe dangers faced by Kolbars who transport goods across borders.

Hengaw, which monitors Kurdish issues in Iran, reported that most of these incidents occurred along the borders of Kurdistan (Sanandaj) Province, where 13 cases were documented. The fatalities and injuries primarily resulted from violent encounters with Iranian security forces. Of the 13 cases involving direct gunfire, three people were killed, and ten others were injured. This gunfire accounted for 86.5% of the recorded incidents.

The remaining cases involved accidents, such as falls from mountains while traversing the rugged terrain. Two such incidents resulted in one death and one injury, making up 13.5% of the total cases reported.

The Hengaw Organization’s report highlights the ongoing dangers faced by Kurdish Kolbars, who not only endure the challenging geographical landscape but also face constant threats of violence as they attempt to earn a living along the often-hostile borders of Iran.

On Aug. 17, a young Iraqi Kurdish Kolbar named Aram Khalil, 27, was fatally shot by the Iraqi Border Guard in the Hawraman area of Halabja province. Khalil was attempting to cross the border illegally near the villages of Haneidan and Sargat when he was shot.

Kolbars, often hailing from Kurdish regions in Iran, Iraq, and Turkey, carry goods across borders to sustain their livelihoods. Despite the significant dangers, they navigate treacherous mountainous terrains, transporting items such as food and electronics.

The first half of 2024 has seen a sharp increase in casualties among Kolbars, with hundreds of incidents involving death or injury. This surge underscores the growing risks faced by these border couriers in their daily struggle for survival.