Iraqi PM’s request to allow Iraqi army in Kirkuk rejected

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi Prime Minister on Sunday had his request to allow the deployment of the Iraqi army in Kirkuk for the operation of Hawija rejected by the Kirkuk governor.

According to sources obtained by Kurdistan24, in his last visit to Kirkuk, Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi had asked the Kirkuk governor and Peshmerga forces to allow factions of the Iraqi army to enter the city for the operation to liberate the Islamic State (IS)-held Hawija.

Kamal Kirkuki, a Peshmerga Commander, revealed Abadi had requested Peshmerga forces to allow the passage of the Iraqi army.

“We told them that Peshmerga and Iraqi army would each attack IS from the front lines under their respective control,” the Commander said.

“We told the Iraqi PM that Peshmerga forces are capable of launching the offensive against IS from the areas under its control and there is no need for the presence of the Iraqi army,” Kirkuki added.

In an unannounced visit, PM Abadi arrived in Kirkuk in the southern Kurdistan Region on Oct. 14.

He met Kirkuk Governor Najmaddin Karim, the head of Kirkuk Provincial Council (KPC) Rebwar Talabani, and Peshmerga Commanders.

Brigadier Hiwa Abdullah, a Peshmerga Commander, told Kurdistan24 the operation to liberate Hawija is close, and there is coordination between the Kurdish forces and Iraqi army.

Peshmerga forces, the main fighting units participating in the Hawija operation, are only 28 kilometers away from the center of the IS-held city in western Kirkuk.

Peshmerga, the Iraqi army, and Sunni tribal fighters are expected to participate in a joint operation to retake the city.

Additionally, despite discontent from Sunni tribes, Shia militias vow to take part in the offensive against IS in Hawija.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany