Peshmerga ministry calls on anti-ISIS coalition to help in stopping militia attacks

The Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs on Monday called on the international Coalition against ISIS to help the region’s forces stop drone attacks from the outlawed groups, according to a statement.

The ministry’s statement came a day after the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) announced two explosive drone strikes had hit a Peshmerga base in the Pirmam-Erbil area, resulting in material damages only.

“We call on the Iraqi government and Coalition against ISIS to help us in stopping these irresponsible attacks which only escalate chaos in the Region, Iraq, and the wider region,” according to the statement.

The Ministry said it reserves the right to respond appropriately.

Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Sunday similarly called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani to take practical steps to punish and sanction the outlawed groups. The Iraqi premier launched a “comprehensive investigation” into the matter hours later.

“We know well the issues at play here and the outlaws behind them, and have a right to defend our people,” Barzani said.

The Kurdish premier said those use state money and weapons to “attack the Kurdistan Region, destabilize the whole of the country, and risk renewed conflict in a nation that has seen enough bloodshed.”

The KRG statement on early Saturday described the attack as “dangerous and provocative”.

Kurdistan Region in recent months has come under increasing drone strikes, mostly targeting the Coalition against ISIS forces base.

In one such attack, at least three US service members were wounded, prompting a deadly US strike on an Iranian-backed group in Babylon governorate shortly after.

Source » kurdistan24.net