US reaffirms commitment to support Iraqi and Peshmerga forces
Erbil, KRG, Iraq (North Press) – The United States reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Iraqi Security Forces, including the Peshmerga, as they continue the fight against ISIS to insure its enduring defeat, the US Department of State said in a statement yesterday.
The statement followed an ISIS attack launched two days ago on Makhmur area situated between Erbil and Nineveh northwest Iraq.
13 Peshmerga fighters and three civilians were killed in the attack in the fourth ISIS attack reported in one week.
“The US Department of State offered condolences to the families of those killed and injured in these attacks,” the statement read.
The statement pointed out that the US is deeply concerned by the continued escalation of ISIS attacks throughout Iraq.
Last week, ISIS carried out three attacks on Peshmerga positions in Garmiyan area, Sulaymaniyah city, killing and injuring dozens of Peshmerga fighters.
President of KRG, Nechirvan Barzani, had warned against the expansion and continuation of ISIS attacks calling for more cooperation and coordination between Peshmerga and Iraqi army with the support of the US-led Global Coalition.
In a statement released yesterday, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) also called to cooperation to fight ISIS.