Peshmerga Colonel confirms Hashd al-Shaabi presence at Kulajo oil wells

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - Colonel Bakhtiyar, a member of the fifth brigade of the Kurdistan Peshmerga Infantry Force, has confirmed the presence of Hashd al-Shaabi fighters at the Kulajo oil wells in Garmian province.

He stated their intention to occupy the town and its resources, but assured that the Peshmerga Ministry is in communication with Baghdad and expects the Hashd forces to withdraw within hours.

The Colonel revealed that the Iraqi forces exploited security gaps to enter the area early Sunday morning.

"They are Hashd al-Shaabi fighters, and their aim is to control the oil wells," he explained. "They arrived at the wells around 4:30 AM and took control, sending away the policemen who were guarding them."

Despite this, Colonel Bakhtiar conveyed a message of reassurance, stating, "The Peshmerga Ministry has spoken to Baghdad, and according to their assurances, the Hashd al-Shaabi fighters will leave the area within a few hours. We have been instructed to prioritize the stability of the region."

However, he also delivered a stern warning, asserting, "If this force or any other attempts to occupy the territory of the Kurdistan Region, we will not relinquish an inch of our land. We are prepared to sacrifice our blood and lives to protect Kurdistan's territory."

A security source has confirmed that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has ordered the fifth infantry brigade of the Peshmerga not to engage the Hashd al-Shaabi forces, estimated to number around 3,000 fighters.

These forces have taken control of Kulajo township and its oil wells, utilizing a significant amount of military equipment.

The situation remains tense, but the Peshmerga Ministry's communication with Baghdad and the expected withdrawal of Hashd al-Shaabi forces offer a glimmer of hope for de-escalation.

The Kurdistan Region remains vigilant, and prepared to defend its territory at all costs.