[NRTtv] The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Ministry of Peshmerga Affairs said on Wednesday (February 3) that there had been no unusual movement on its part near Makhmour and Qarachokh Mountain, explaining that its recent actions there had been to counter the local threat posed by Islamic State (ISIS) militants.Over the past week, movement by both the Peshmerga and the Iraqi Security Forces along the border between Erbil and Kirkuk governorates in the so-called “disputed areas” raised concerns about the potential for clashes between the two.
“The only purpose of that preparation by the Peshmerga is to prevent terrorist acts and protect the area’s stability and security,” the ministry said in a statement.
“We have previously warned of the dangers posed by terrorists in those areas, which are due to a security vacuum between the Peshmerga and the Iraqi army,” it added.
The disputed areas are a belt of territory that is claimed by both Erbil and Baghdad that stretches from Nineveh through Kirkuk to Diyala. ISIS is able to exploit its uncertain control and the rugged terrain to launch attacks against both civilians and military units.