Politics

Kurdistan PM, Iraqi National Security Adviser talk enhanced security coordination

The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, on Sunday received a delegation from the federal Iraqi government headed by the National Security Adviser, Qasim al-Aaraji.

Mustafa Shilani 2020/09/27 11:10

middle east Kurdistan Iraq joint security coordination disputed areas

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, on Sunday received in Erbil a delegation from the federal Iraqi government headed by the National Security Adviser, Qasim al-Araji.

In the meeting, which was attended by the region's interior minister, Reber Ahmed, both sides discussed the latest developments in Iraq and the autonomous region.

They also talked about the importance of "continued and enhanced coordination between the Peshmerga and the Iraqi security forces," according to a statement from the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

"Prime Minister Barzani stressed that the situation in disputed territories requires particular attention and significant cooperation to respond to the growing ISIS threat."

Prime Minister Barzani has stated on several occasions that ISIS has become a severe threat to the disputed areas, including Kirkuk province. Kurdish officials have long warned a "security vacuum" in these vulnerable areas has allowed the terror group to plan future attacks and hampered the anti-terror fight.

In the past few days, Kirkuk province witnessed multiple attacks and kidnappings for which the so-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility. The terrorist organization has also published a graphic video showing the beheading of members of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

Araji's visit also comes two days after Washington Post columnist David Ignatius reported that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had spoken to Iraqi President Barham Salih on Sunday to warn against attacks by Iranian-backed militias on US interests in Iraq.

State Department spokesperson told Kurdistan 24 on Saturday that "Iran-backed groups launching rockets at our Embassy are a danger not only to us but to the Government of Iraq, neighboring diplomatic missions, and residents of the former International Zone," more commonly called the Green Zone, "and surrounding areas."

Editing by Khrush Najari