In a stark warning, Kurdish official Krekar Shakir, the head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) regional committee in Makhmur, emphasized the pressing need for joint operations between Peshmerga and Iraqi forces to thwart potential Islamic State (IS) attacks in the disputed areas. The call to action comes in the aftermath of a recent assault by IS militants on the Iraqi army in Makhmour.

According to Shakir, IS militants infiltrated Goptapa using two vehicles, engaging in an intense hour-long clash with Iraqi army forces. During the confrontation, four militants were killed, while four others detonated explosives. Shakir expressed concern over the organized nature of the insurgents' operations and warned that without immediate action, there is no guarantee that Daesh (ISIS) won't launch a similar attack in the region in the near future.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Shakir questioned the adequacy of the Iraqi government's response and raised the specter of a potential resurgence of IS in the region. He painted a grim picture of the situation in disputed Kurdish areas since the events of October 16, 2017, citing occasional IS attacks on both Iraqi armed forces and villagers.

Political and military observers within the Kurdish region have echoed Shakir's sentiments, asserting that the situation is likely to worsen unless Peshmerga forces return to the region. The resumption of joint operations with Iraqi forces is deemed crucial in addressing and neutralizing the persistent IS threat in these vulnerable areas.

The call for urgent collaboration between Peshmerga and Iraqi forces underscores the need for a unified front against the looming threat of ISIS, emphasizing the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure the security and stability of the disputed Kurdish territories. As the region remains on high alert, the international community closely watches developments, recognizing the significance of preventing any potential resurgence of the terrorist organization in the area.