Intense Clashes Between Kurdish Tribes and Barzani Forces in Northern Iraq
Severe clashes have erupted between Kurdish tribes and forces loyal to Masoud Barzani in northern Iraq, as tensions escalate over control of key regions, including the Khor Mor gas fields, while Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) deploy forces to the area.
Kokcha News Agency: Intense clashes have broken out between Kurdish tribes and forces aligned with Masoud Barzani in northern Iraq, particularly in the Khor Mor region, which houses massive gas fields controlled by the Barzani-led Peshmerga forces.
The conflict has escalated as Khorshid Herki, a senior leader of the Barzani-led party, declared a coup against the party and called on people to take to the streets.
Meanwhile, Iran-backed Popular Mobilization Units (PMU) have reportedly deployed forces to the Khor Mor area, further complicating the situation. The PMU’s involvement has raised concerns about potential external interference in the ongoing conflict.
In a separate development, the political wing of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) announced that its forces will hand over their weapons on Friday, signaling a potential de-escalation in some areas.
Adding to the chaos, Kurdish tribes have taken control of the main road connecting the Khabat region to Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). Tribal forces have also set fire to military vehicles belonging to Barzani’s forces, demonstrating their opposition to his leadership.
The situation remains highly volatile, with reports of heavy gunfire and artillery exchanges in several areas. Civilians are caught in the crossfire, and there are growing concerns about the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
