The Command of the Eastern Kurdistan Units (YRK) has released a statement regarding yesterday’s attack on their forces in the Penjwen district, which was carried out by the Iranian government. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of a comrade named Simko Kobani.
Yesterday, the Iranian government used a suicide drone to target a vehicle in the Penjwen border area, which is located in the province of Sulaymaniyah. The YRK issued the following statement regarding this attack:
”As our people and the public are aware, on 19 July 2025, an airstrike was carried out on the village of Shiwegowzan in the Penjwen subdistrict. This attack targeted the Eastern Kurdistan Units. From the outset, various reports about the incident were circulated, each offering a different interpretation. We, the Eastern Kurdistan Units, have conducted our own investigation and can reveal that this attack was carried out by the Iranian state against our forces.
The Iranian state has repeatedly resorted to such attacks during times of crisis. The ongoing assaults on our people in Rojhilat (Eastern Kurdistan), as well as the oppression of women, are reflections of the chaotic and hopeless state of this reactionary and occupying regime.
At 08:45 on 19 July 2025, our forces in the Penjwen area came under attack from an Iranian kamikaze drone. Simko Kobani was killed in the attack. A true son of the people of Rojhilat Kurdistan and a patriot from the Hawraman region, Simko Kobani was always true to his people. He consistently stood against the occupying, reactionary regime with unwavering pride and resolve. For the 24 hours prior to his death, he was actively engaged in the struggle for freedom.
In the near future, we will release a more detailed statement providing further information about the identity of our fallen comrade.
In this era of instability, particularly in the aftermath of the 12-day Israeli attacks, rather than pursuing democratic solutions or uniting with the people, the Iranian government has escalated its attacks. It creates instability on a daily basis, exacerbating crises within society and obstructing the path to peaceful resolution, thereby worsening chaos and unrest.
As the Eastern Kurdistan Units, we will not remain passive in the face of such attacks. Until the end, and within the framework of our right to self-defence, we will defend ourselves. We will never initiate an attack against anyone, but we will always defend ourselves and will not remain silent in the face of any aggression against our people or our forces.
Finally, we extend our condolences and solidarity to the family of our fallen comrade and to all the people of Rojhilat Kurdistan. Once again, we pledge to our people that we will seek revenge and that we will never allow the death of our comrade to go unavenged.”
Command of the Eastern Kurdistan Units
20 July 2025