Another Peshmerga succumbs to his wounds, raising death toll to four

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Another member of the Peshmerga forces wounded early last week in a skirmish with Iraqi soldiers in Makhmour district, succumbed to his wounds early Saturday, according to an official statement.

Lt. Colonel Poosho Khalid, deputy commander of 1st Regiment of 18th Brigade, died in Erbil after he had received intensive care for six days following the fight at Mount Qarachogh in southern Erbil district, the Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs announced.

The new death comes as on Thursday the ministry announced that Colonel Salih Zirari, the commander of the 8th Infantry Brigade, similarly succumbed to his wounds.

At least four members of the Peshmerga forces have been killed so far as a result of the skirmish sparked by tension over the control of a number of military outposts that had been deserted by the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) recently.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and Kurdistan Democratic President (KDP) Masoud Barzani have extended their condolences to the families of the victims.

Taking a few hours, the fighting was quickly subdued following the swift involvement of both Erbil and Baghdad officials.

Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim Al-Araji arrived in Erbil early Tuesday and was received by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Interior Reber Ahmed, with whom he was reported to have visited the scene.

The security advisor has been tasked with leading an investigation that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani launched on Sunday into the skirmish between Peshmerga and the Iraqi military, resulting in a number of causalities on both sides three days ago.

The two forces have previously conducted joint sweeping operations against ISIS in the area. Per an agreement between the two governments, a joint Iraqi and Kurdish force will be formed to be deployed into the disputed territories.