Iraqi Joint Operations Command denies reports of ‘uncoordinated military movements’ in disputed areas

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Joint Operations Command on Friday denied local and social media reports claiming unauthorized military activity near disputed territories between federal and Kurdish forces.

The speculation centered on alleged movements by the Iraqi army and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) toward the Qamar oil field near Said Madri village in Kokis subdistrict, a Kurdish-administered area in Diyala governorate. The region lies within Iraq’s disputed territories, where control is jointly managed by federal and Kurdish forces—an arrangement often strained by political and military tensions.

“Some media outlets and social media platforms circulated a fabricated report claiming that units from the Iraqi army, Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), or Peshmerga were moving in the jointly administered border areas between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Region,” the Security Media Cell said.

“The Security Media Cell would like to categorically deny these false reports,” it continued. “These areas are managed jointly between Baghdad and the Region under unified leadership, control, and deployment, with high-level coordination to ensure their security. No unilateral movements have taken place by any military party.”

The statement emphasized that no units from the defense or interior ministries, PMF, Peshmerga, or any other formation had moved from their current positions. It also stressed the role of coordination centers in intelligence sharing and counterterrorism planning.

“We call on everyone to rely on official and credible sources,” the statement added. “Circulating false information negatively affects societal peace, especially under current conditions that require national unity and public support for the security forces.”

Peshmerga officials also dismissed the reports. Brig. Gen. Ibrahim Salah, commander of the Peshmerga’s 6th Division in Garmiyan, said: “The claim that Iraqi army forces have entered the Qamar oil field is not true. So far, no Iraqi army units have entered the area.”

He added that “two Iraqi personnel came to the oil field, but Peshmerga forces denied them entry and told them, ‘You are not allowed to go in, and there is no coordination for your visit.’ They accepted that and left.” Salah said there had been “no change—neither they deployed troops, nor did we withdraw any.” He confirmed the oil field remains under the protection of the Peshmerga’s 17th Brigade.

Elsewhere, reports of PMF movement in Khurmatu, a contested area in Salah Al-Din governorate, were attributed to preparations for religious observances. Hama Chawri, commander of the Peshmerga’s 731st Brigade, said: “According to available information, some PMF fighters left their bases in Khurmatu for Ashura commemorations and entered the city to protect Shiite religious convoys.”

“Federal police forces also provided backup and entered the areas where PMF were stationed to help secure the border against ISIS attacks,” he added. Chawri noted that “if the PMF return to their original positions after the ceremonies, then it is a normal movement. But if not, it means they may have other intentions.”

Last year, PMF units entered the Qamar oil field without prior coordination, taking advantage of a security gap between Iraqi and Kurdish forces. Though the group later withdrew, the incident heightened tensions and laid the groundwork for the current wave of speculation.