It is claimed that a new force by the name of Hashdi Bergirî has been established in Kirkuk, set to take part in the operation for the liberation of Kirkuk's Hawija district from ISIS.

According to reports, this force consists of Kurds, Arabs and Turkmens and is built under the lead of Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

According to the NRT television based in Southern Kurdistan, the Iraqi Ministry of Defense also supports the establishment of Hashdi Bergirî but has not provided arms for the group so far.

Reports suggest that 700 people have been recruited by the Hashdi Bergirî force so far and these have started to receive training in the village of Cinuniyê south of Kirkuk in 4 separate divisions.

In accordance with an agreement with Baghdad, this force that is made up of Kurdish, Arab and Turkmen fighters will join the operation for Hawija but their participation has not been officialized yet.

The operation for Kirkuk's Hawija district is planned to be launched after the liberation of Mosul from ISIS.