PUK cedes control of Kulajo to Hashd al-Shaabi, sparking concerns
A security source informed Kurdistan 24 that the PUK has instructed the fifth infantry brigade of the Peshmerga forces to avoid confrontation with the Hashd al-Shaabi, further solidifying the apparent agreement between the two groups.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – In a move reminiscent of the 2017 Kirkuk handover, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has relinquished control of Kulajo town in Garmian province to the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), also known as Hashd al-Shaabi.
Kulajo, a predominantly Kurdish town with rich agricultural lands situated on the strategic Kalar-Gulala road, was reportedly taken over by an estimated 3,000 Hashd al-Shaabi fighters equipped with 200 vehicles, including shovel loaders and military Humvees.
Kurdistan 24's reporter on the ground, Harem Jaf, confirmed that the PMF is actively digging trenches and has declared their intent to confront any opposition, citing an agreement with the PUK.
A security source informed Kurdistan 24 that the PUK has instructed the fifth infantry brigade of the Peshmerga forces to avoid confrontation with the Hashd al-Shaabi, further solidifying the apparent agreement between the two groups.
Furthermore, the PMF has reportedly taken control of oil wells in Kulajo, with no Peshmerga forces present in the vicinity.
This development comes just days after the anniversary of the Kurdistan Region's independence referendum, which was followed by the PUK's controversial handover of Kirkuk and other Kurdish areas to Hashd al-Shaabi forces on October 16, 2017.
The ceding of Kulajo to the PMF raises serious concerns about the future of Kurdish control in disputed territories and highlights the ongoing challenges to maintaining security and stability in the region.