KRSC’s Statement on Hashd al-Shaabi’s Imminent Attack against Peshmerga

KRSC’s Statement on Hashd al-Shaabi’s Imminent Attack against Peshmerga
ERBIL — An imminent attack on Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces no northwest of Mosul is expected by the Iraqi forces and Iranian-backed Shi’ite militias of Hashd al-Shaabi (also known and Popular Mobilisation Forces or PMF), said the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC).



“We are alarmed by intelligence signalling and imminent attack by Iraqi forces and Iranian-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces in North West of Mosul,” read a statement release early on Thursday.

“Despite KRG’s flexibility and repeated calls for dialogue, the US-led Coalition and US Government in particular has signalled tacit approval by dangerously — and incorrectly the need to implement the law.”

“The position sanctions forces reporting to Hadi Ameri and Abu Mahdi Mohandes to launch unprovoked attacks against the people of Kurdistan Region.”

According to the KRSC, the Iranian-backed militias have been preparing for the imminent attack since six days ago, deploying heavy artillery and tanks in offensive posture towards nearby Peshmerga positions.

“In Rabia, US equipment, including significant number of Humvees and Armoured Personnel Carriers, have arrived to reinforce tanks and artillery deployed in recent days — again barrels positioned towards Peshmerga forces,” the statement continues, noting that such actions are “unconstitutional”.

It also reminds that the KRG has implemented obligations under the tripartite agreement between Erbil, Baghdad and Washington in October 2016: to withdraw Peshmerga forces to the areas they were holding prior to the beginning of the Mosul operation.

“The agreement stipulates the Iraqi government would not deploy PMF to areas bordering Kurdistan.”

The KRSC also warns that Baghdad has not abided by the agreement, and continues deployment of Shi’ite militias, equipped with heavy arms and US-supplied equipments, signals that the Iraq government intends to use military means to settle political disputes.

Calling the move unconstitutional, the KRSC says such behaviours continue “because the US-led Global Coalition fails to apply the pressure necessary to stop Iraq’s aggressive military attacks”.

“We call on the international community to intervene immediately to stop Iraq’s reckless behaviour. Baghdad Should withdraw all forces from nearby areas and accept KRG’s offer for unconditional talks to settle political differences. The United States in particular must apply the pressure necessary to stop Iraq. It must not allow Iranian-backed forces to use American equipment.
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