A confrontation between the Iraqi army and Peshmerga forces on Mount Qarachogh (Qereçox) in Makhmour (Mexmûr) in Kurdish northern Iraq (Başûr) on Sunday, over the control of strategic military points led to three fatalities and several injuries on both sides. This area, formerly under the control of People’s Defence Forces (HPG), witnessed a sudden escalation as Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) forces sought to regain control but were met with opposition from the Iraqi army.
Mosul district governor’s office confirmed the details, highlighting the severity of the confrontation that resonated even in the nearby Makhmour Refugee Camp, where the sounds of battle were clearly heard, and some stray bullets found their way into civilian homes.
Mount Qarachogh in particular in Makhmour district has been a focal point of military interest, given its strategic location. The KDP argues that retaking control of these points is crucial to bolster security against external threats, particularly from Turkish military operations in the region. However, a contrasting viewpoint was presented by Cemil Bayık of the Kurdistan Communities Union (KCK) on Saturday. Bayık warned Iraq against falling for the games allegedly being played by the KDP and the Turkish state, urging Iraq to demand a democratic resolution to the Kurdish question from Turkey.
Bayık elaborated on the claim that the KDP, in its desire to take control of certain areas, were essentially trying to ease the way for the Turkish army, given their collaboration in many other areas. He referred to past instances in which Turkish forces had handed over military posts to KDP forces when they withdrew in the winter, only to reclaim them later. Bayık stressed that such actions were indicative of a concerted effort between the Turkish state and the KDP.