Mattis praises Peshmerga, cooperation with Iraqi forces in message to Barzani

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – US Secretary of Defense James Mattis on Monday commended the role of Peshmerga in defeating the Islamic State (IS), highlighting their effective cooperation with Iraqi forces.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander General Joseph L. Votel and US-led coalition Commander in Iraq and Syria Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend met with the President of the Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani in Erbil on Monday.

In the meeting, Votel delivered Mattis’ message to the President where he expressed the US’ support to Peshmerga forces.

Mattis also thanked President Barzani and the Kurdish forces for their victories against IS as well as cooperating with the Iraqi Army, according to the Kurdistan Region Presidency (KRP) media office.

Votel mentioned that without the role of Peshmerga and President Barzani, IS’ defeat would have been challenging.

He noted the threat of the insurgent group is still present, and the help and cooperation of Peshmerga forces is necessary.

During the meeting, President Barzani mentioned that before the Mosul operation began, the Kurdistan Region called for the preparation of military, political, and administrative plans.

The President highlighted these provisions were necessary because the emergence of new issues was predictable.

“It is unfortunate that no political and administrative plans were made for the post-[IS] arena,” President Barzani noted.

Regarding the military operations in west Mosul and southern Sinjar (Shingal) city, President Barzani said eradicating IS should be the main focus.

He also mentioned larger problems would emerge that would undermine the achievements and victories in these areas if there were other agendas behind the offensives.

“It is unacceptable for any [foreign forces] to cross the Kurdistan Region border and impose itself on the area,” Barzani told the US and coalition officials.

The President said the agreement made between the Peshmerga, Iraqi Army, and coalition before the Mosul operation began had been violated.

“There was an agreement that the Peshmerga and Iraqi Army would form a joint force to clear southern Shingal and western Tal Afar from terrorists,” he explained.

“The Iraqi Army was busy with the Mosul operation, and Peshmerga stood by the agreement and didn’t move to those areas,” the President continued.

“However, Hashd al-Shaabi forces without anybody’s cooperation began its offensives in the area which created a complex situation,” President Barzani stated.

He added the multifaceted situation in the area proves the Kurdistan Region was right in suggesting a pre-agreement for the political and administrative situation of those territories.

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany