From the very beginning of the war against Iran, attacks on residential areas in Kurdish cities were among the first actions taken by hostile forces. Field evidence suggests that the objective of these strikes, beyond physical damage, was to incite terror and discontent among the people of Kurdistan and to pave the way for the infiltration of opposing Kurdish armed groups.
The Tragedy of the Qishlaq Neighborhood in Sanandaj
Several locations in the city of Sanandaj, the capital of Kurdistan Province, were targeted by missiles and airstrikes. Among these, the Qishlaq district faced a severe humanitarian crisis. Qishlaq is an entirely residential neighborhood, situated far from any military zones or installations; nevertheless, it sustained heavy destruction. Beyond the immense physical injuries and irreparable psychological trauma, the residents of this area lost their homes and all their life’s possessions. These attacks represent a shift in the nature of warfare toward targeting the will and livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
A Blatant Violation of International Conventions
These actions constitute a clear violation of international conventions—including the Fourth Geneva Convention—and the fundamental principles regarding the protection of civilians during armed conflict. Released footage and documentation from the site reveal the depth of the catastrophe: a young Kurdish man standing amidst the ruins of his house, his family severely wounded, and his only shelter completely destroyed. This image is a symbol of the altered fate of thousands of civilians burning in the fires of a war they played no part in igniting.
The Necessity for Justice and Global Attention
Incidents such as these represent systematic violations of civilian rights in wartime. What occurred in Sanandaj and the Qishlaq neighborhood is not merely “collateral damage.” It is a stark reminder of the international community and human rights organizations’ urgent need to focus on civilian protection and securing justice for victims. Documenting these crimes is the first step toward legal accountability and the international condemnation of those responsible for these strikes.
