PJAK, the Iranian branch of the PKK, has been expanding its presence and digging new tunnel networks in the Sulaimaniyah region of Iraq, close to the Iranian border, according to a report from Kurdistan Watch. The tunnels, filmed a week ago in the Penjwen area, are situated so close to Iran that IRGC watchtowers are visible just a few hundred meters away. Kurdistan Watch suggests a strong connection between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and PJAK's expansion, noting that Penjwen now serves as PJAK's headquarters. PJAK's confirmed presence extends from the southern Qandil range to the Asos mountains, Mawat, and Penjwen. This development occurs while there are ongoing discussions about PKK disarmament in Turkey and the integration of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Syria. PJAK's entrenchment in Sulaimaniyah, including the construction of new tunnels and recruitment of fighters, contrasts with these disarmament talks. The report indicated that more information would be released soon.
