Hashd al-Shaabi forces have been posing a threat for some time, and in Kirkuk which has been on the news with many developments like Turkey arming ITC forces and the governor removed from office not leaving his post, they sprung into action last night. The Bashir village to the southwest of Kirkuk under peshmerga control has been taken over by the Hashd al-Shaabi forces.

A peshmerga who wishes to remain anonymous reported that the Hashdi Shabi forces assumed to be 20 thousand strong approached the Bashir village. The peshmerga forces in the village prepared to leave the village so as to avoid a clash. When the Hashd al-Shaabi forces drew close, the peshmerga forces retreated from the village and Hashd al-Shaabi forces settled in.

Reports say that the Hashd al-Shaabi forces will be advancing until Qayvan, an oil refinery region, and Kirkuk airport after they took the village.

KOSRAT RASUL WENT TO KIRKUK

PUK Secretary General Primary Deputy Chairperson Kosrat Rasul Ali went to Kirkuk along with a group of peshmerga forces due to Hashd al-Shaabi activity. Local sources say Rasul going to Kirkuk is not for war, but to avoid war and prevent any possible clashes.

The Bashir village is home to the main transformer that distributes electricity to Tuz Khurmatu and Dakuk, Taza and neighboring villages and hamlets.

Reports are coming through that peshmerga forces have retreated until the Dabız line, i.e. their position pre 2014.