PM Barzani talks security cooperation with PMF head and top Iraqi commander

According to a brief statement from the KRG, the officials discussed "security cooperation" and the need to resolve longstanding Baghdad-Erbil disputes on a "constitutional basis."

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region’s Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, met on Sunday with an Iraqi delegation led by Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) head Falih al-Fayyadh and Iraqi military chief of staff Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Yarallah.

The Kurdistan Regional Government only released a brief statement on the meeting between the officials.

They discussed "the latest developments and changes in Iraq and the wider region" and "the importance of security cooperation" between the Kurdish and federal security forces in the fight against the so-called Islamic State, especially in territories disputed between Erbil and Baghdad.

The officials also reiterated the need to resolve outstanding disputes between Erbil and Baghdad "on a constitutional basis," the statement added.

The gathering comes days after six rockets struck outside the Erbil International Airport (EIA), where US-led coalition forces are stationed, without causing any casualties or damages.

Read More: Kurdistan Region condemns rocket attack near Erbil airport, blames Iran-backed militias

The latest incident occurred as the US threatened to shut down its embassy in Baghdad in response to repeated attacks on US forces and interests in Iraq by Tehran-aligned PMF members.

Read More: US will close Baghdad embassy—but keep Erbil consulate open

Kurdish security officials directly blamed PMF members for the attack as the rockets were directed from an area apparently under the control of its 30th Brigade. Also known in Arabic as the Hashd al-Shaabi, the umbrella organization is primarily made up of Iranian-backed militias.

Prime Minister Barzani stated in a tweet that the Kurdistan Region "will not tolerate any attempt to undermine" its stability" and warned, "our response will be robust."

He also noted that he had spoken to Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi about "the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable."

Editing by Khrush Najari