Reports of Kurdish militant military activity in western Iran

According to an official from the Coalition of Political Forces of Iranian Kurdistan (CPFIK), Kurdish militants associated with the Free Life Party of Kurdistan (PJAK) began ground operations in Iran on March 2. The report claims that thousands of fighters, including units from the East Kurdistan Defense Units (YRK) and the Women's Defense Forces (HPJ), have moved into the Zagros Mountains. By March 3, Iranian security forces reportedly evacuated the border city of Mariwan and established defensive positions in the surrounding area. The CPFIK official alleges these movements mark the beginning of a military campaign against the Iranian government. While some sources suggest this involves active ground combat, other reports describe these actions as preparations for an upcoming conflict. Simultaneously, international media outlets have reported that Washington and the CIA are investigating potential cooperation with these Kurdish groups. The Iranian government has not officially confirmed these specific movements or the claims of a full-scale offensive.