Peshmerga Spokesperson: coalition support increased

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) – The US-led coalition aid for Peshmerga forces continues to increase on a daily basis, Jabar Yawar, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Peshmerga, said on Feb. 9.

Yawar explained that coalition military assistance continues to help them confront Islamic State (IS). Highlighting Peshmerga victories against the extremist group, he declared that they have liberated the majority of Kurdish territories from IS control. He added that only 3 percent of Kurdish areas currently remains under IS restrain.

Yawar also shed light on the future of the disputed Kurdish areas, mentioning that the residents of these districts will be able to vote whether they would like to be administered by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) or the Federal Government in Baghdad.

The Peshmerga Spokesperson additionally revealed that IS has attempted to breach Peshmerga front lines with drones across many fronts, but that Kurdish forces have since downed three IS reconnaissance drones in Makhmour and Nineveh Plains.

Yawar commented that Peshmerga will participate in the anticipated Mosul liberation operation, but "we will not disclose the details of our military plan,” he continued.

Regarding the latest Peshmerga casualties in the war against IS, he revealed so far 1,390 Peshmerga fighters have lost their lives and 62 others are missing or captured.

Yawar added that KRG will spare no efforts in returning these captives safely home, emphasizing, “We [KRG] will liberate the captive Peshmerga according to our plan.”

Reporting by Ehsan Mamakani
Editing by Karzan Sulaivany and Benjamin Kweskin