Peshmerga suspends coordination with Iraqi forces if mistreated

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurditan24) – The Ministry of Peshmerga in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) said on Saturday that Peshmerga forces would not retreat from areas they liberated in the past two years.

The Ministry of Peshmerga released a statement responding to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense’s earlier remarks on the Memorandum of Understanding between the Kurdistan Region and the United States.

On Friday, Khalid al-Obeidi, the Iraqi Defense Minister, announced that Peshmerga forces would participate in the Mosul liberation operation only if it were required.

The Minister also said that if Peshmerga took part they should withdraw to their areas in the Kurdistan Region.

“Peshmerga forces will not withdraw from the areas they liberated since two years ago; the withdrawal will only include Mosul city,” the Ministry of Peshmerga statement said.

“Whenever we feel that the bravery and sacrifices made by the Peshmerga are mistreated, Peshmerga will suspend all kinds of coordination and joint works with the Iraqi forces,” the statement read.

“The readiness of Peshmerga forces for Mosul liberation operation is not something new. Peshmerga have been ready for battle in Mosul for more than a year, but Iraqi forces have not been prepared,” the Peshmerga’s statement added.

On July 21, Obeidi stated that he does not expect Peshmerga forces to enter the city of Mosul.

“We won't even let them take part in the liberation of the city,” Obeidi was quoted by Reuters.

Elsewhere, Asaib Ahl al-Haq, a Shia militia, warned in a statement on Sunday against Peshmerga forces’ participation in the Mosul battle.

“They should be prevented from participation in the Mosul liberation operation,” the militia said.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany