Counter-Terrorism Forces vow to continue defending Kurdistan following Barzani visit

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region Security Council’s (KRSC) Counter-Terrorism Department on Wednesday vowed to continue to defend Kurdistan from any possible terrorist threats.

The KRSC counter-terrorism forces’ pledge came on the sidelines of a visit by former Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani, who praised them for their pivotal role in the war against the Islamic State (IS).

According to a statement by the anti-terrorism agency, Kurdish leader Barzani visited the fighters to express his gratitude for the role they played in protecting Kurdistan from the jihadist group.

The KRSC’s counter-terrorism forces have fought side by side with the Peshmerga to combat the threat of IS since the militant group’s emergence in 2014.

The forces have been recognized for carrying out lightning operations against IS leaders inside and outside of the Kurdistan Region.

“The fighters and officers of the anti-terrorism forces are fully ready to defend the Kurdistan Region and protect it from any threats,” the statement added.

Former President Barzani, who is a veteran Peshmerga fighter, occasionally visits the Kurdish forces and other security services on the front lines to praise them and pay tribute to their part in keeping Kurdistan safe.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Peshmerga, General Jabbar Yawar, warned that despite a “final victory” announcement about IS’ defeat in Iraq, the group was still capable of launching new attacks.

“It is true that IS was defeated in Iraqi cities and towns, and officially in Mosul and Raqqa [in Syria], but the extremist organization has not been completely eliminated and remains a threat,” he stated.

Editing by Nadia Riva