Ezidi official: PKK checkpoints on Shingal Mountain illegitimate

However, Qulo mentioned that Ezidi Peshmerga fighters have also set up checkpoints and do not allow YBS fighters to cross either.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – An armed group affiliated with Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) reportedly prevents the movement of Ezidi Kurds on Shingal mountain.

Saadun Qulo, the spokesperson of the ‘Ezidi Home’ in Shingal told Kurdistan24 on Monday that Shingal Resistance Unit (YBS) has been setting up checkpoints on the mountain, preventing the free movement of Ezidis in their areas.

Qulo added that a group of YBS fighters has stopped hundreds of Ezidi Peshmerga who were heading to the areas under their control in Bab Shilo.

He stated that they have been very cautious in dealing with the situation to avoid clashes.

However, Qulo admitted that Ezidi Peshmerga fighters have also set up checkpoints and do not allow YBS fighters to cross either.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and Ezidi leaders have repeatedly asked the PKK-affiliated groups to withdraw from the Ezidi-populated city of Shingal.

Both sides blame each other for sparking the clashes that occurred in Shingal area last March.

Peshmerga and YBS fighters clashed in the Khanasor area in northwest Shingal, on Kurdistan Region and Syrian Kurdistan (Rojava) border. 

The conflict resulted in casualties for both sides.

 

Editing by Ava Homa