Peshmerga, Sunni tribes in Makhmur cooperating in fight against ISIS

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – There is close coordination and cooperation between Peshmerga forces and Sunni tribes in Makhmur, in the fight against the Islamic State (ISIS), Nineveh Governor Atheel Nujaifi said.

"There is joint coordination and understanding between the Peshmerga forces and Arab tribes in the Makhmur and surrounding areas," he said.

Over the past two months, some Arab tribes in Makhmur have sided with Kurdish forces against ISIS.  Reports say that some 100 Arab refugees also serve with the Peshmerga in the Mosul area.

"Despite the lack of supplies for the Peshmerga, the Arab tribes are dependent on supplies and support from them (the Peshmerga),” said Nujaifi, referring to the Iraqi government’s failure to arm and equip the Sunni tribes in the fight against ISIS.

He added that his administration would do its best to use its existing budget to support the Makhmur military camp.