Reports: Iraqi forces retake Kurdish-held areas in Diyala
Members of Iraqi Federal Police carry their weapon at the frontline during a battle with Islamic State militants in western Mosul, Iraq June 5, 2017. REUTERS/Erik De Castro
Diyala (IraqiNews.com) Iraqi government forces on Tuesday have reportedly recaptured Kurdish-held areas in Diyala province as the government proceeds with wide-scale operations to regain areas disputed with Kurdistan Region.
Alghad Press quoted a security source saying that Iraqi federal forces deployed in Khanaqin, northeast of Diyala. The source says the area’s police department is run by Kurdish Peshmerga and Asayish troops. “Khanaqin will be subjected to a joint administration but under the supervision of the federal government,” the source told the website.
The Iraqi military media has yet to confirm the development.
Iraqi troops had earlier deployed in Jalawla, Qara Taba and Jabbara, also in Diyala.
Sputnik agency, meanwhile, reported that Iraqi forces took over Makhmour, an area between Mosul, Hawija and Shirqat near the borders with Iran.
Iraq’s Joint Operations Command said Monday its forces, backed by Popular Mobilization Forces, had taken over Kirkuk’s province building, main oil fields and military bases as part of an incursion ordered by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to regain government control over territories where sovereignty is disputed with Kurdistan Region.
Baghdad had declared intentions to reclaim control over regions disputed with Erbil in response to Kurdistan’s independence vote in September, which overwhelmingly backed independence from Iraq.