Tensions flare as PMF forces advance on Kurdish-controlled oil field

SULAYMANIYAH — Tensions flared on Sunday when a unit from the Popular Mobilization Forces advanced into the Qamar oil field in the Kulajo sub-district of Kifri, located in disputed territories but under de facto control of the Kurdistan Region’s Peshmerga forces.

The situation de-escalated after several hours when the PMF unit began to withdraw.

According to reports, the PMF forces, which included 300 to 400 military vehicles such as SUVs and Humvees, entered the oil field early Sunday without prior notice, exploiting a security gap between the Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army. “The PMF arrived without any prior warning,” a senior Peshmerga commander told 964media. Kulajo serves as a separation line between Iraqi and Kurdish-controlled territories.

The Peshmerga ministry promptly placed all forces along the Kifri border on high alert. “We were instructed by the Peshmerga ministry not to escalate the situation, as they had communicated with Baghdad authorities, and the PMF forces were expected to withdraw soon,” the commander explained.

After about eight hours, the PMF began their withdrawal. “Although the PMF force requested a meeting, we as the Peshmerga declined. After that, they started to withdraw,” another senior Peshmerga commander confirmed.

964media contacted Ali Husseni, the spokesperson for the PMF forces in the north. He said that he is currently in Karbala for the Arbaeen pilgrimage and “has no information on the developments.”

Sahir Ali, the mayor of Kifri, told 964media that “The PMF forces have completely withdrawn from all positions and are no longer present in the area.” He further emphasized that the forces had entered the location without any prior coordination or authorization.

Some Kurdish media outlets reported that the PMF forces claimed their entry into the area was coordinated with Bafel Talabani, the head of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan. However, Saadi Ahmed Pira, PUK’s spokesperson, said, “The PMF deployment occurred without prior coordination with local official forces. The presence of these forces without any official notice is unacceptable, and under no circumstances will they be allowed to remain.”

Pira emphasized, “We have demanded the central authorities immediately withdraw the PMF forces, as this action is not acceptable. The forces have started to withdraw.”

Karwan Yarwais, head of the PUK faction in the Iraqi Parliament, noted that the PMF forces have now withdrawn and the oil fields in the Kulajo area are currently protected by the Garmiyan Oil and Gas Police. “Although the PMF claimed their presence was part of an operation to capture a number of terrorists, they should have informed the Peshmerga and local security forces in advance and coordinated the operation accordingly,” Yarwais added.

Efforts to reach the Peshmerga ministry for further comment were unsuccessful; two senior officials declined to comment, and a third did not respond.

This article has been updated to reflect the disputed nature of the area