Clashes that erupted upon the attack of KDP-affiliated forces on Xanesor this morning continued till the noon. While tension continues, YBŞ/YJŞ forces tightened security measures and peshmergas remain in their positions.

ATTEMPT TO ENTER LIBERATED AREAS

YBŞ/YJŞ (Shengal/Women's Defense Units) officials stated that some groups calling themselves peshmergas yesterday attempted to enter areas under the control of YBŞ forces since the liberation of these areas from ISIS in 2014. YBŞ officials held talks with peshmerga officials to hinder the eruption of a clash and demanded their leave from the region.

YBŞ forces expected a withdrawal by peshmerga forces who, however, launched an attack on Xanesor town early Friday morning. YBŞ fighters responded to the peshmergas to stop the attacks, but the aggression was intensified afterwards.

PESHMERGAS REFUSING TO FIGHT WERE ARRESTED BY KDP

After the fighting began, some peshmergas in Xanesor and Mount Shengal refused to take part in the armed confrontation, saying "we do not want this war". KDP therewith arrested some 80 peshmergas that did not accept to engage in the fighting, according to reports.

CIVILIANS TOOK UP ARMS

Many locals in the region took up arms in response to the peshmergas' attempt to enter Xanesor. People coming from Xanesor and Mount Shengal marched to the peshmerga positions and voiced their reaction. Mothers took down the KDP flags on military vehicles in protest at the attack.