The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Peshmerga has revealed that Peshmerga forces are advancing into Kurdish areas under the control of Islamic State (IS) militants.
Peshmerga Ministry Spokesperson Jabar Yawar told the media that the Peshmerga are defeating IS insurgents while liberating Kurdish areas. He claimed that IS strategy has switched from attack to defend.
Yawar also commented on the formation of three new Peshmerga Volunteer Brigades. “The ministry has started the registration of volunteers into three different brigades, which the US has promised to arm.”
Yawar laid the blame for IS successes with the Iraqi central government which has not send the Peshmerga budget since 2007. IS have seized advanced weapons from the Iraqi army which are now being used to attack the Peshmerga.
“However, we are in a close communication with the international coalition forces and Baghdad for the anticipated operation to liberate Mosul,” he said.
Yawar said that 1,200 Peshmerga have been killed in the conflict so far.
