Saqqez: Imposing a Security-Military Atmosphere Establishment of Checkpoints at Various Times and Locations and Continuous Searches Night Raids on Homes and Continued Searches and Destruction Widespread Search for the Discovery of "Starlink"
February 23, 2026; Reports received by "Kurdpa" indicate that in recent days, the atmosphere in the city of "Saqqez", its surroundings, and regional villages has become intensely security-military. This includes the widespread establishment of checkpoints, searches of citizens and vehicles, night raids on the homes of people and activists involving searches and destruction, and the patrolling of law enforcement vehicles equipped with devices said to be for detecting "Starlink" waves. Furthermore, local "Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps" (IRGC) forces known as "Jash" have made their presence more public than before, and maneuvers by government supporters in the city of "Saqqez" have also been reported.
An informed source tells "Kurdpa": "For several days across 'Saqqez' and its surrounding areas, government forces have been setting up checkpoints at various locations and times, without a fixed schedule during the day or night, searching people and vehicles, and appearing suddenly in many cases. This situation is not limited to inside 'Saqqez'; these actions are also being carried out outside the city, on backroads, and in villages, imposing a strictly security-military state over the region. Additionally, beyond intimidating the people, the forces are intensely searching for 'Starlink' devices or any equipment they find suspicious."
According to this source, law enforcement forces have installed devices on their vehicles—particularly Toyota vehicles—to identify satellite internet equipment, which are reportedly used for tracking internet waves, including "Starlink".
Simultaneously, reports indicate increased pressure on civil and political activists and even athletes in "Saqqez". Security forces have engaged in night raids, summons, interrogations, and surveillance of these individuals. Continuing this trend, in recent nights, security forces have raided the homes of dozens of citizens and activists. These forces, while showing great disrespect and insulting residents, have searched and destroyed homes and personal belongings in pursuit of "Starlink" equipment and items they deem "suspicious".
On the other hand, reports show that simultaneous with the start of attacks on military and government centers in "Iran", the movement of security forces and equipment in "Saqqez" has increased. In some cases, these forces and equipment have been stationed in the homes of individuals affiliated with the government, sports clubs, and even mosques. Furthermore, local "IRGC" forces known as "Jash", who had reduced their presence during the early days of tensions, have returned to the city streets. According to local sources, some of these forces who previously hid their identities are now openly traveling in private vehicles displaying images of "Mojtaba Khamenei" and the flag of the "Islamic Republic".
In this regard, on March 15, 2026, a video reached "Kurdpa" showing extensive maneuvers by government forces in the city of "Saqqez". In this video, hundreds of vehicles, including private and law enforcement cars, moved through the city flying the "Islamic Republic" flag and playing anthems from the "Iran-Iraq War" era. According to sources, this action was carried out with the aim of demonstrating power and creating intimidation among the citizens.
Exclusive image reached by "Kurdpa" shows that on some law enforcement vehicles, special equipment for identifying satellite internet waves, including "Starlink", has been installed.
