Shia militia burns Kurdish houses despite ceasefire

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Despite the ceasefire announced between Iraqi Shia militia Hashd al-Shaabi and Kurdish Peshmerga in Khurmatu, the militia set fire to Kurdish houses on Monday.

On Sunday, clashes intensified between Hashd al-Shaabi and Peshmerga forces in the town of Khurmatu, located in the southern part of Kirkuk Province.

On Monday, the militia burned three Kurdish houses in Khurmatu despite the ceasefire announced the day before.

According to the latest update from Kurdistan24 reporter Hemin Dallo, five Peshmerga, including Khurmatu youths, have been killed, and five were wounded while about 12 Hashd al-Shaabi militiamen have been killed, and over 20 wounded.

The clashes started on Saturday evening when a militiaman threw a grenade at a Peshmerga house in the town.

Peshmerga and Kurdish youths in Khurmatu advanced in the town and controlled more than four bases belonging to the Shia militia.

On Sunday afternoon, Hashd al-Shaabi commander Hadi Amri visited Khurmatu and met with the Kirkuk Governor and Peshmerga commanders. Following the meeting, both sides agreed on a ceasefire and told journalists that those who triggered the clashes will be punished.

However, Kurdish people in the town refused to abide by the ceasefire and insisted on dismissing the militia in Khurmatu. They stated that the militia has triggered the clashes and killed Kurds.

“They have killed our brothers. We call on Kurdish security not to stop us until we kick this militia out of the town,” a Kurdish youth carrying a weapon told Kurdistan24.

“The fight should be decisive, either we, the people of the town, remain in Khurmatu or the militia does,” another Kurdish youth stated. “It is not the first time that the militia has created instability and tensions in Khurmatu.”

Moreover, many Kurdish people of the town expressed their concerns about instability and called on the Kurdistan Region President Masoud Barzani to directly intervene and address “the problem of militia presence in Khurmatu.”

A Kurdish member of Iraqi Parliament, Shakhawan Abdullah, told Kurdistan24 that Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has sent a message to Barzani, asking him to intercede in solving the situation in Khurmatu.

“Sadr believes that only Barzani can solve the situation in Khurmatu due to his influence and peaceful role in addressing issues,” Abdullah said.

On Sunday, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi released a statement that promised to stop the clashes and bring stability back to the town.

Although the ceasefire has been declared between both sides and the town is largely calm, residents state that shooting is often heard. Furthermore, the militia’s snipers remain on top of buildings in Khurmatu.

Kurdistan24 reporter Hunar Ahmad noted that a Kurdish civilian named Pishtiwan Ali was killed on Sunday afternoon by militia snipers following the ceasefire.

Additionally, schools and government workplaces remain closed due to insecurity in the town. Khurmatu youths claim that since Sunday evening, the militia has exploded some electricity sources and people remain without power.

Reporting by Hunar Ahmad, Hemin Dallo and Mewan Dolamari

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany and Ava Homa