Peshmerga threaten to attack Shiite militia near Iran border

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – A frontline Peshmerga commander has threatened to attack a Shiite militia unless it withdraws Thursday from a newly liberated town in Kurdish area of northern Diyala province

Mahmoud Sangawi, leader of Peshmerga forces on the Garmaser front, told Rudaw on Thursday the Shiite militia, known as Hashd al-Shaabi, or Popular Mobilization Units, must retreat south to Saadia town.

“Upon the order of the Garmaser front commander, today is the deadline for the 80 Hashd al-Shaabi fighters to withdraw from the town of Jalawla. If they do not, the Peshmerga will attack them,” said Sangawi.

He added: “Now, the Hashd al-Shaabi militates have started preparations to leave."

Kurdish forces entered the town of Jalawla in November after they launched a major assault on the Islamic State fighters , said Rudaw correspondent in the area.