KRG proposes Iraqi-Kurdish troops deployment at border exit near Turkey
Iraqi army troops. File photo.
A statement issued by KRG’s defense department said on Thursday that the deployment was as “a goodwill gesture and trust-building exercise that ensures a limited and temporary arrangement until an agreement is reached in accordance with the Iraqi Constitution,” Reuters added.
This came after general administration of Khabur exit denied on Wednesday news that Iraqi troops took control on it. Moreover, Jabbar al-Yawar, secretary general of Peshmerga Ministry told Sputnik agency that no federal troops exist at the crossing.
The border crossing links between Iraqi Kurdistan and Turkey. The crossing has been under focus after Iraqi authorities imposed strict measures on it after Kurdistan held its independence referendum on September 25.
Iraqi government forces approached the southern borders of Erbil, capital of semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, after taking over Kirkuk province from Kurdish Peshmerga fighters in October, fulfilling instructions made by Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi to retake areas where sovereignty is disputed with Kurdistan.
Baghdad had declared intentions to retake areas disputed on with Erbil following the Kurdistan Region’s vote for independence from Iraq in September, urging Peshmerga to cooperate with federal troops.