PMFs occupation of Kulajo raises alarm, Peshmerga warn of further encroachment
"If these forces are not confronted or forced to withdraw, the second step will likely be to occupy the border areas, followed by an attempt to take control of Sulaimani," the source told Kurdistan 24.
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Hashd al-Shaabi's takeover of Kulajo township in Garmian province has sparked deep concern within the Kurdistan Region, with a senior military source warning of potential further incursions if the situation is not addressed.
According to the source, the Hashd al-Shaabi's occupation of Kulajo may only be the first step in a larger plan. "If these forces are not confronted or forced to withdraw, the second step will likely be to occupy the border areas, followed by an attempt to take control of Sulaimani," the source told Kurdistan 24.
This alarming revelation comes on the heels of the PUK's controversial decision to cede control of Kulajo to the Hashd al-Shaabi in the early hours of Sunday morning. The Hashd al-Shaabi force, comprising approximately 3,000 fighters and equipped with 200 vehicles, including military equipment, has swiftly established its presence in the town.
Reports indicate that the Hashd al-Shaabi has informed Peshmerga forces in the area that their actions are based on an agreement with Bafel Talabani, the leader of the PUK. This claim has further fueled concerns about the PUK's role in facilitating the Hashd al-Shaabi's advance into Kurdish territory.
The situation remains tense, with the Hashd al-Shaabi reportedly attacking several positions in the area. This latest development has raised fears of a repeat of the 2017 events, when the PUK handed over Kirkuk and other disputed territories to the Hashd al-Shaabi following the Kurdistan Region's independence referendum.
The Kurdistan Regional Government faces a critical challenge in responding to this situation. While the Peshmerga Ministry is engaged in dialogue with Baghdad, the potential for further escalation remains high.
The people of Kurdistan are watching anxiously, hoping for a peaceful resolution that preserves their hard-won autonomy and security.
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.