The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran carried out a surprise drone attack on positions of the Kurdistan National Army. The attack, which took place in the early hours of Sunday, 19 July 2026, was not merely a conventional military strike. According to field evidence and medical reports cited in this interview, white phosphorus, a prohibited incendiary substance, was allegedly used. In this exclusive interview with the Confederation of the Kurdistan Diaspora website, Leila Dewband, Head of the Women’s Office, discusses the details of the attack and its alleged humanitarian and environmental consequences.
Confederation Website:
To begin with, could you describe the attack that took place on 19 July 2026 against the Kurdistan National Army?
Leila Dewband: In the early morning of Sunday, 19 July 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched an attack using several armed drones against one of the Kurdistan National Army’s bases inside the Kurdistan Region. The attack wounded nine Peshmerga fighters. However, what is particularly alarming is the nature of their injuries. These were not ordinary wounds caused by shrapnel or explosions, but extremely severe burns, suggesting that a prohibited weapon may have been used in the attack.
Confederation Website: On what basis do you claim that the Islamic Republic used white phosphorus in this attack?
Leila Dewband: Several pieces of what we believe to be compelling evidence were collected at the scene. First, the fire burned with exceptional intensity and produced thick white smoke, which we identify as a characteristic of white phosphorus. Second, military experts and specialist physicians who examined the wounded emphasized that the burns were extremely deep, extending to the bone—injuries they believe are consistent with exposure to highly incendiary chemical substances. No drone fragments or shrapnel were found embedded in the victims’ bodies; instead, they suffered severe burn injuries.
Confederation Website: What is the condition of the nine wounded Peshmerga fighters, and what damage has this substance allegedly caused?
Leila Dewband: Most of them remain in unstable condition. White phosphorus does not only burn the skin; according to medical assessments, it can also enter the bloodstream through chemical reactions and cause serious damage to internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. The nine Peshmerga have endured excruciating pain, and there is a possibility that some may suffer permanent disabilities or even lose their lives if they do not receive prompt treatment, as these types of burns are extremely difficult to heal.
Confederation Website:
Beyond the human casualties, what environmental impact has the alleged use of this weapon had on the area?
Leila Dewband: The environmental consequences are catastrophic. When white phosphorus comes into contact with the ground, vegetation, or forests, it can ignite fires that are extremely difficult to extinguish. This contaminates the soil and water, posing a serious threat to wildlife as well as livestock belonging to nearby villagers. Residues of the substance can remain in the soil for a long time, disrupting the ecological balance in the area where the attack occurred.
Confederation Website:
As Head of the Women’s Office and a representative of the Confederation of the Kurdistan Diaspora, what is your appeal to the international community?
Leila Dewband: We call on international humanitarian organizations and the United Nations to conduct an urgent investigation into this incident. The alleged use of white phosphorus against military forces and in proximity to civilian areas would constitute a serious violation of international agreements. The international community must not remain silent in the face of such attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran, which, in our view, target not only people but also the natural environment of Kurdistan. We will continue to raise awareness of this tragedy and present the available evidence to international institutions.