Using only her first name out of fear for her family’s safety, she says the calls have become even more precious as war and unrest grip the country. My family is okay but three civilians have been hurt unfortunately.”Her family’s calls carry risks for them, so Farah carefully avoids any political discussion on the phone in case authorities are monitoring. “Sometimes my parents call me at 1am and I just want to make sure I am able to pick the phone. The PKK is a controversial guerrilla group fighting for an independent Kurdistan and is considered a terrorist organisation by Iran, Turkey, Australia, the European Union, the United States, and New Zealand. Photo: Getty ImagesLike many other Kurds in Iran, Turkey, Syria and Iraq, Farah dreams of an independent, democratic Kurdish state.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 12, 2026 22:50 UTC