Mass swarms of insects plague Peshmerga

 

Masses of black beetles have spread in the Peshmarga forces' strongholds in Tel Askof, in Mosul province, Kurdish military authorities in the area told Rudaw. 

Commanders are concerned the insects could harm the Peshmarga if proper measures are not taken.

It is horrible. We cannot even take a rest,. We cannot have our meals. If they are not stopped, then they might get to the town of Tel Askof. We are waiting for the medical team to come and check the state of the Peshmergas' health," said Jalal Mohammed, a Peshmerga fighter.

In another location, grasshoppers have descended on farm land in Duhok province. 

The Peshmerga on the scene say this is the first time they have ever seen such an incredible number of beetles in the same place.  They said the beetle swarm has spread over 7km long of Peshmerga frontlines. 

Still, the Kurdish fighters won't let the infestation deter the mission to defeat ISIS.

"We are not in a good health condition [due to the beetles], but this cannot affect our morale. We will keep on fighting [the Islamic Sate militants]," said Mohammed Hussein, another Peshmerga dealing with the beetles.