| Qandil Mountains | |
|---|---|
| قەندیل (Çiyakanî Qendîl) | |
 | |
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,587 metres (11,768 ft) |
| Coordinates | 36°32′28″N44°59′46″E / 36.54111°N 44.99611°E /36.54111; 44.99611 |
| Dimensions | |
| Area | 50 square kilometres (19 sq mi) |
| Naming | |
| Native name | چیایێن قەندیلێ (Çiyayên Qendîlê) (Kurdish) |
| Geography | |
  Qandil Mountains | |
 | |
| Country |  Iraq |
| Region |  Kurdistan Region |
| Parent range | Zagros |
| Borders on |  Iran |
| Geology | |
| Orogeny | Zagros fold and thrust belt |
TheQandil Mountains (Kurdish:چیایێن قەندیلێÇiyayên Qendîlê,Arabic:جبل قنديل), are amountainous area ofKurdistan near theIran-Iraq border. The region belongs to theZagros mountain range and is difficult to access, with extremely rugged terrain. The highest peaks reach over 3,000m.
The area is notable as a sanctuary and headquarters for theKurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Approximately 5,000PKK and other armedKurdish factions control an area of roughly 50 km², which has been sporadically bombarded by theTurkish Air Force and shelled byIranian military artillery for several years. TheKurdistan Free Life Party (PJAK) is also based in the Qandil Mountains, which allows them to infiltrate intoIran.[1]