ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – The Islamic State (ISIS) launched a coordinated assault Wednesday against Peshmerga positions in Khurmatu, 88 km south of Kirkuka. After several hours of intense battle the militants were repelled.
“The attack was launched at 00:10am in Zargah bridge and stretched across different areas and lasted till 03:00 am,” said Ahmed Besheyi, Peshmerga commander.
According to Besheyi, the attack was coordinated and was launched from several directions, “But due to the well-positioned strongholds and the fighting will of the Peshmerga forces, the attacks failed to achieve any territorial gains or inflict damages,” said the Peshmerga commander.
“The militants managed to reach the area by crossing the Rokhana waters using rafts from one direction, and on foot from another direction, but they were repelled and could not achieve their goal,” added Besheyi.
Khurmatu was detached from Kirkuk and became part of Saladin Province in 1976 with a decree from the Iraqi government. The town is currently under Peshmerga control.
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