Hashd al-Shaabi preparing for new battle in Khurmatu

In a statement published on its website, the Hashd al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), declared it was sending “major reinforcements” to the disputed town of Khurmatu “in preparation for a military operation against the so-called ‘White Flag’ group.”

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Iranian-backed Shia Hashd al-Shaabi militia on Wednesday announced it would be sending reinforcements to the beleaguered town of Tuz Khurmatu (Khurmatu) and its surrounding areas.

In a statement published on its website, the Hashd al-Shaabi, also known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), declared it was sending “major reinforcements” to the disputed town of Khurmatu “in preparation for a military operation against the so-called ‘White Flag’ group.”

Since the Oct. 16 assault and takeover of Kirkuk and other disputed areas by Iraqi forces and the Iranian-backed militias, several unidentified armed groups have targeted Iraqi security forces now based in the province of Kirkuk.

The PMF announced it would eliminate the “White Flag” armed group, which they claim have been targeting the militias’ forces stationed in the town of Khurmatu.

While the group remains relatively unknown, reports suggest it was formed by local fighters of various ethnicities and backgrounds in response to the Hashd al-Shaabi’s takeover of the disputed area and subsequent abuses of power and human rights violations.

The group, previously reported as the “Liberation Army,” is believed to be operating in the mountainous areas east of Khurmatu.

Confrontations between the two groups and shelling from both sides have prompted a new wave of displacement among civilians.

Indiscriminate bombardments by the PMF targeting the Dawouda area in east Khurmatu, and the villages of Qom Palk and Qushalan, have led to the displacement of many families and sparked fear and panic in the surrounding regions.

Witnesses also claimed Iraqi aircrafts were shelling the villages, but Kurdistan 24 could not confirm the claims.

“The bombardments have caused a general state of panic,” said one source who spoke to Kurdistan 24 on condition of anonymity. “People are fleeing. The situation is tragic.”

Activists also reported that Kurdish homes are being targeted by the Shia militias and its various factions and that the security situation continues to deteriorate.

Khurmatu is one of many towns which continue to suffer from the instability and insecurity that followed the Oct. 16 attacks. Dozens of thousands of people have been displaced, and thousands of houses have been looted, burnt, and destroyed according to local officials.

This week, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) announced it had already launched an investigation on human rights abuses against the residents of Khurmatu.

It was reported that the Iranian-backed Hashd al-Shaabi militias prevented the UNAMI team from visiting the Kurdish neighborhoods of Khurmatu.

In a press conference on Monday, Shallal Abdul, the Mayor of Khurmatu, said documented evidence that had been collected provides proof of crimes committed against the town’s Kurdish community, stating that those abuses constitute a war crime.

The widespread reported abuses against the residents and the lack of security in the area have prompted many to call on Iraqi officials to withdraw the PMF from the disputed town.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany