Iraq Army Chief Dissolves East Tigris Operations Command

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Iraqi Army Chief of Staff General Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah decided Saturday to dissolve the East Tigris Operations Command during a meeting with military commanders in Kirkuk, according to Kurdistan24 reporter Soran Kamaran in the province.

The decision is expected to be accompanied by changes to military and security leadership positions in Kirkuk province and the Khurmatu district, with the stated aim of strengthening security control.

The move came during Yarallah's visit to Kirkuk, where he met regional military commanders as part of an assessment of security readiness. The dissolution of the East Tigris Operations Command was the main decision reported from the meetings.

East Tigris command dissolved

Details on the structure that will replace the dissolved command were not provided in the supplied reports. Likewise, no specific reason was given for the decision beyond the stated objective of strengthening security control.

The expected changes to military and security posts in Kirkuk and Khurmatu indicate a broader adjustment of the local command structure, although the reports did not identify the officials or positions that will be affected.

The decision was made as Iraqi security authorities maintain a heightened state of readiness in several parts of the country.

Yarallah reviews Kirkuk readiness

The Iraqi Ministry of Defense said Yarallah arrived at Kirkuk Airport early Saturday aboard a military aircraft, leading a high-level military delegation.

According to the ministry, his visit was intended to assess the readiness of military formations and review the security situation within the area of responsibility of the Kirkuk Operations Command.

The visit therefore brought the army chief directly to one of the country's active military command areas before the announcement concerning the East Tigris Operations Command.

No further operational details about the restructuring were provided by the Ministry of Defense in the supplied material.

Iraq maintains heightened alert

The command changes come as Iraqi security forces remain on high alert following threats by armed groups to retaliate against Saudi and US interests after July 29 airstrikes on Popular Mobilization Forces positions, according to the supplied Kurdistan24 reports.

The groups had reportedly indicated that retaliation would take place on Aug. 7, but the planned action was later deferred following pressure from political leaders seeking to prevent further regional escalation.

The reports said Iraqi security forces have nevertheless continued heightened readiness, including increased deployments and checkpoints in Baghdad and other major cities.

Against that backdrop, Yarallah's Kirkuk visit and the dissolution of the East Tigris Operations Command represent a significant adjustment to the military command structure in Kirkuk, alongside expected leadership changes in the province and Khurmatu.