Kolbarnews released its report on attacks and violations against kolbars (load carriers in border areas) in Eastern Kurdistan throughout 2025. According to the report, 32 Kurdish kolbars were killed and 38 were injured during the year.
According to the report, a total of 70 kolbars lost their lives or were injured in Urmiye, Sine (Sanandaj), Kermanshah, and other border regions, primarily due to direct attacks by Iranian forces, as well as avalanches and falls from heights. The report said that 53 of the killings and injuries were the result of direct attacks by Iranian state forces.
The report revealed that three of the kolbars who lost their lives or were injured were under the age of 18, and that one of these minors was killed by gunfire from Iraqi border forces. On the other hand, a Baluchi kolbar was seriously injured in a fire started by Iranian forces.
According to the report, the rate of killings and injuries of kolbars in Eastern Kurdistan increased by 46 percent compared to 2024. Over the past seven years, 1,676 Kurdish kolbars have been killed or injured.
Kolbarnews reiterated its call for kolbarism to be removed as a means of livelihood and for living conditions consistent with human dignity to be provided, highlighting that border policies and impunity increase kolbar deaths.