On Sunday at 16:30, the Peshmerga forces were taken by surprise when the Iraqi army, aided by Shiite militants, launched an unexpected attack in Makhmur. One Peshmerga was martyred and four others sustained injuries as a result of the assault.
The attack occurred when a Peshmerga delegation went to engage in dialogue with the Iraqi army regarding the transfer of checkpoints previously held by the PKK and handed over to Shiite militants. The Peshmerga sought to either take control of these checkpoints or establish a joint administration given by the PKK to the Shiite militants as a gesture.
Despite engaging in talks with the Iraqi army, the Peshmerga forces failed to reach any agreement. The four checkpoints, previously under PKK control and handed over to the Iraqi army on the 19th of this month, are in close proximity to Peshmerga positions. Hence, the Peshmerga forces initiated negotiations with the Iraqi army. Prior to this, the Peshmerga forces had been engaged in high-level discussions with the 14th Division from Makhmur, aiming to establish a mutual agreement for the joint management of these military checkpoints. But Iraqi army refused to make any suggestions, and insisted that The PKK have given Pro-Iranian militants the checkpoints.
As per a Peshmerga commander’s account, it was the Iraqi army that initiated the attack, prompting the Peshmerga forces to respond. Initial reports indicate that 12 Iraqi soldiers were wounded and killed during the clashes. Tragically, a Peshmerga named Hawer Jahwar was martyred in the incident.Furthermore, there are reports of Iraqi soldiers being captured by Peshmerga forces.
May allah help the peshmerge at all times and give them strength!