Hashd al-Shaabi forces have taken over Kirkuk completely after Peshmerga forces abandoned their positions yesterday, and today they have entered Jalawla and Khanaqin.

After the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) forces withdrew from Shengal and Makhmur, Hashd al-Shaabi turned toward these areas as well.

Political observers in the region say KDP has reached a deal with the Iraqi government to withdraw to pre-2014 borders.

The Jalawla and Khanaqin towns are in Iraqi government controlled Diyala province and their population is mostly Shia Kurds.