Makhmur becomes the symbol of Islamic State's failure

Makhmur is the first location where Peshmerga defeated IS.

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (K24) – The Kurdistan Region's Flag Day was celebrated in Makhmur on Thursday in the same place where the Islamic State (IS) once planned to raise their flag. Najat Ali, the Makhmur fronts' Peshmerga Sector Commander, told K24 that Makhmur is the first location where Peshmerga defeated IS.

Ali, standing in front of destroyred IS armored vehicles and heavy artilleries continued, “Today we celebrate Kurdistan Flag Day in Makhmur and Gwer because these fronts are symbols in destroying the IS myth.”

Ali added, “From the first victory of our brave Peshmerga on this front the balance of war against IS changed.” The commander also appreciated the role of US-led coalition airstrikes and mentioned that, “the US supports Peshmerga in this fight.” The commander stated that his sector has been cleared from IS militants. His deputy, Zrian Shekhwasani, said, “No matter where IS strongholds are, if we receive orders we will not leave any safe haven for them.”

Reswar, a 32-year-old taxi driver from Makhmur, wearing his traditional Kurdish clothes on Kurdistan Flag Day, told K24, “The situation in town is now safer than other cities that are this close to the front lines.” He added, “now that many families have come back to their homes it is a sign of safety in the town.”

The Flag Day ceremony showcased some of the American artillery and armored vehicles that IS militants initially seized from the Iraqi Army last year destroyed by coalition warplanes and Peshmerga forces. Ahmad Anwar, the Media Director in Makhmur emphasized the role of Peshmerga in defeating IS on the ground. He believes directly arming Peshmerga is the only way to defeat IS decisively. “Peshmerga are the main actor in this war against IS. We certainly need to be armed by our western allies directly. This is the only reasonable way” he said.

The city of Makhmur is located some 60 kilometers southwest of the Kurdistan Region's capital, Erbil, and about 95 kilometers southeast of Mosul. This city fell under IS control for two days in August 2014, but it was liberated by Peshmerga forces almost immediately after. It is a strategic area because of its unique geographical position in relatively close proximity to the cities of Erbil, Mosul, Hawija, and Kirkuk. Additionally, Makhmur is among the most enriched areas in terms of oil reserves and agricultural capacity in Iraq, Ahmad states.