Top security officials from Iraq and the Kurdistan Region are scheduled to visit Mount Qarachogh in Makhmour district as part of a comprehensive investigation initiated by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani into a recent clash between Peshmerga and Iraqi military forces. The skirmish, which occurred three days ago, resulted in casualties on both sides.

Iraqi National Security Advisor, Qasim Al-Araji, arrived in Erbil early Tuesday and was received by Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Minister of Interior, Reber Ahmed. Al-Araji has been entrusted with leading the investigation.

The visit to the mountainous areas aims to closely assess the causes of the incident. According to Kurdistan 24 correspondent Azar Farooq in Erbil, the fighting was swiftly subdued following the prompt involvement of officials from Erbil and Baghdad.

The Ministry of Peshmerga expressed support for the Iraqi Prime Minister's call for an investigation and described the casualties on both sides as "martyrs." They also reiterated their commitment to working with the Iraqi federal government to find a "sustainable and fundamental solution."

Erbil Governorate attributed the fighting to a "misunderstanding" between the two forces, echoing the Ministry's appeal for a thorough probe.

Makhmour is primarily a Kurdish district in southern Erbil province and has been a point of contention between Erbil and Baghdad for decades. Notably, these two forces have previously conducted joint operations against ISIS in the area. Per an agreement between the Iraqi and Kurdish governments, a joint Iraqi and Kurdish force is set to be formed for deployment in disputed territories.

The investigation seeks to shed light on the incident, maintain stability, and enhance cooperation between the Kurdistan Region and the federal government of Iraq in their joint efforts against security threats, including those posed by terrorist groups like ISIS.