Intensification of the security-military atmosphere in Saqqez; From checkpoints and semi-heavy weapons to searching citizens and deploying forces in the homes of "Jash"

May 16, 2026; reports received by Kurdpa indicate the intensification of the security-military atmosphere over the past weeks in the city of Saqqez. This atmosphere has been accompanied by the reopening and extensive deployment of old and new outposts and checkpoints, the use of semi-heavy weapons, private vehicles, and forces with covered faces, with the aim of searching citizens and establishing a security atmosphere. Furthermore, according to these reports, computer equipment and a portion of the government's military and security forces have been stationed in the private homes of local pro-government operatives known as "Jash." On the other hand, the centers and locations targeted during the war are also undergoing continuous excavation, and their surroundings have been covered.

This report has been prepared based on the accounts of several eyewitnesses regarding the situation over the past weeks and the performance of government institutions in the security-military atmosphere of the city of Saqqez.

Eyewitnesses say:

Reopening of old outposts and checkpoints and their new deployment

Military and security institutions have continuously proceeded to reopen old outposts and checkpoints over the past weeks, and simultaneously, new checkpoints have been deployed in various and mostly unexpected parts of the city. According to witnesses, the objective of these measures is to search citizens and vehicles, as well as to impose a security atmosphere across the city.

Deployment of forces with semi-heavy weapons, covered faces, and private vehicles with distorted license plates

According to the accounts of witnesses, a portion of the government forces stationed at these checkpoints proceed to search citizens, vehicles, and mobile phones by covering their faces and using private vehicles whose license plates are covered with cloth. According to local sources, many of these forces are under 20 years of age, and their required food and supplies are transported to their deployment locations in disposable containers. It is also said that a significant portion of these individuals participate in these missions with their own private vehicles and receive substantial sums in return. At some checkpoints, semi-heavy weapons including "DShK" and "PKC" have been mounted on Toyota vehicles, and in some instances, they patrol across the city to create an atmosphere of intimidation. Witnesses say that government forces are deployed in a coordinated manner at several different points and cover and monitor one another from various angles so that in the event of any clash or attack on one group, the other forces can intervene.

Transfer of equipment and deployment of forces in the homes of local pro-government operatives known as "Jash"

According to these reports, in some areas, including the village of "Mirdeh" in Saqqez, computer equipment and a portion of the supplies of the security and military forces have been transferred to the homes of local pro-government operatives known as "Jash." Moreover, military and security forces commute to the homes of these individuals for nightly rest.

Continuous excavation of targeted centers

Witnesses also say that the military centers and sites of the Islamic Republic of Iran that were targeted during the Israel-US attacks are undergoing continuous excavation, and the surroundings of these locations have been covered with sacks. According to local sources, every effort is being made to prevent citizens from being able to observe these locations.
 

In this regard and regarding the security-military situation in Saqqez, read also:

• From street blockades and closing shops with municipality arrangements for government supporters, to forcing students and financial incentives for higher attendance
• From price leaps and banking disruptions to worker unemployment and the removal of meat from the people's table
• Continuation of the security-military atmosphere with the establishment of checkpoints and extensive presence of forces Increase in the price of basic goods Use of conscripted soldiers in barracks and officials taking refuge in organizational hou
• 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"