Iraqi forces, Shia militia to launch operation to clear White Flag militants near Kirkuk

Iraqi forces are in the early stages of a military campaign aimed at clearing out areas near Tuz Khurmatu, south Kirkuk Province, from an insurgent group which emerged after Iraqi troops and Shia militias took control of Kirkuk late last year.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi forces are in the early stages of a military campaign aimed at clearing out areas near Tuz Khurmatu, south Kirkuk Province, from an insurgent group which emerged after Iraqi troops and Shia militias took control of Kirkuk late last year, according to an Iraqi military commander.

Following the military takeover of Kirkuk and Khurmatu by Iraqi forces and the Iranian-backed Shia militia Hashd al-Shaabi (PMF) on Oct. 16, a militant group emerged in the mountainous areas south of Khurmatu.

Theres little information about the group which is known to fly a White Flag with lion’s head prominently displayed. Local reports suggest it is comprised of Sunni fighters of various backgrounds fighting against Iraqi security forces, namely the Shia militias.

Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah, said in a statement on Sunday that commanders of a number of Iraqi military factions, including the PMF, met on Saturday to begin an offensive to clear the eastern side of Khurmatu and southeast Kirkuk.

To the eastern side of Khurmatu lies a village, a remote mountain range, and vast desert areas. Many people are hesitant to report the presence of the White Flag militant group hiding in the rough terrain.

Most of the residents in the area are also ethnically Kurds.

The Kurds have been subjected to violations and human right abuses since the withdrawal of Peshmerga forces from Kirkuk and Khurmatu in October.

Over 170,000 people, mostly Kurds, fled from the disputed territory to other cities in the Kurdistan Region following the attack, fearing abuses and violations at the hands of the militia groups. Thousands of houses, shops, and properties in Khurmatu have been burnt or destroyed, and the security situation has considerably deteriorated.

Khurmatu is a multi-ethnic town, historically claimed by the Kurds living alongside Arabs and Turkmen. The disputed city is located between northern Salahadin province and southern Kirkuk Province.

The Iraqi Commander said the military campaign would restore stability to the area, vowing to make sure they “eliminate [the White Flag militants] if they are found.”

The military campaign has a five-prong strategy to clear the region from the White Flag group’s  supporters and fighters, according to Shia militia commanders.

Iraq’s military commanders did not reveal when the operation is to begin as they recently carried out a different campaign in the desert areas near the border of Saudi Arabia, targeting remnants of the Islamic State (IS).

Last month, Iraqi President Fuad Masum in a news conference asserted the situation in Khurmatu was slowly returning to normal since elite forces were deployed.

Editing by Nadia Riva