Kurdish Peshmerga forces advance in Southern Kirkuk, Islamic State militants retreat

Following intense clashes between Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Islamic State (IS) militants, the Peshmerga have liberated the village of Mulla Abdullah. They are also holding the bodies of 15 IS militants.

A Peshmerga Commander in the west of Kirkuk province told BasNews on Saturday, “On Saturday morning, Peshmerga forces launched a series of attacks on Mullah Abdullah and other areas in southwestern Kirkuk. After several hours, Peshmerga took control of the village and advanced to the bridge that has separated the two sides for months.”

He continued, “All the areas that had fallen to IS insurgents yesterday, have been taken back today.”

Director of Kirkuk Police Sarhad Qadir told BasNews that the Peshmerga forces freed Mullah Abdullah village with the support of US-led coalition jets.

“15 bodies of IS militants are in the hands of the Peshmerga,” said Qadir.

A Facebook page called “The Supporters of Peshmerga Commander Hussein Mansour” published a post on Friday morning quoting Hussein’s speech, “I assure all the people of the Kurdistan Region and Kirkuk that I am ready to sacrifice my soul for the protection of all of you, I am yours.”

Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) official in Khanaqin Hemin Mansour told BasNews, “Mansour was martyred in today’s fight against IS militants.”

Secretary General of the Kurdish Social Democrats Mohammed Haji Mahmood is on the Kirkuk frontline and told BasNews that Peshmerga forces are continuing to advance and chase down the insurgents.

“Peshmerga forces are defending Kurdistan with strength. What has been seen in the latest clashes, is that a large number of IS insurgents have been killed and they have been defeated on all frontlines. The militants have lost their power,” said Mahmood.

He furthered, “The main aim of IS is to enter Kirkuk. The Peshmerga are attempting to push the insurgents back from areas around Mullah Abdullah.”

“After destroying IS on the frontlines, Peshmerga forces have greater morale and desire to chase down the IS militants,” he added.

Source: BasNews