Baghdad - Iranian helicopters struck three Kurdish villages in northern Iraq, the first air attack against the Kurdish rebels in neighbouring Iraq, al-Arabiya TV reported.

No casualties were reported in the attacks.

The Iranian attacks may have targeted the Party of Free Life of Kurdistan (PJAK), the station said.

PJAK is a militant Kurdish group that has previously attacked western Iran and other parts of Turkey and Syria, seeking more rights for Kurdish populations there.

Iran had previously used artillery to attack the mountainous areas occupied by PJAK, but had not previously struck at the group by air. (dpa)