Kurdish kolbers in border traffic are in the sights of the regional states that are occupying Kurdistan. According to a balance sheet by Kolbernews, many Kolbers were again killed by Iranian forces in the west of the Iranian province of Azerbaijan and in the border regions of eastern Kurdistan near Sine and Kirmaşan (Kermanshah) within six months.

Kolbernews speaks of at least 26 dead. Most of them were killed by direct fire from the Iranian army or the Revolutionary Guards, and more than 164 were injured. Another important cause of death and injuries are the harsh conditions in the high mountains, mine explosions and falls. However, according to the balance sheet, almost 80 percent of the dead and injured can be traced back to the actions of the Iranian army. The Iranian and Turkish armies consider kolbers as fair game. They are robbed, abused and often killed.

What are kolbers?

Kolbers (also Kolbars) are traders who bring goods across the Kurdish borders of Iran, Iraq and Turkey. For many people, especially in East Kurdistan, this difficult and dangerous work is the only way to earn money.

At least 46 people died in 2021

According to the human rights organization Kurdistan Human Rights Network (KHRN), at least 46 Kurdish kolbers died in 2021. Another 122 porters were injured in the border area by shots from security forces or natural disasters. Of the 46 kolbers who lost their lives, 17 were killed by Iranian and four by Turkish forces. A minor kolber committed suicide after border guards confiscated his mules.

In addition, five kolbers died from avalanches, three from frostbite, three from falls in the mountains, three from heart attacks while transporting goods, one from drowning in a river and nine from traffic accidents.