Peshmerga forces that withdrew from Kirkuk a couple of days ago have immediately started to withdraw from other regions of Southern Kurdistan and handing over their territory to Hashd al-Shaabi forces.

The same thing started in Shengal on October 15. From the night hours, peshmerga forces started to withdraw from the Herdan region and by 03.00 a.m. the peshmergas in Shengal center also started to withdraw and hand the areas they controlled over to Hashd al-Shaabi forces. Sources say the first ones to spring into action were the Êzidî units within the Hashd al-Shaabi.

PESHMERGAS WITHDREW WITHOUT CLASHES

Until the morning, all points in the Shengal center and the Solak side were turned over to the Hashd al-Shaabi forces. The Hashd al-Shaabi forces started to advance again in the morning then crossed through the lower part of the mountain range and took over the KDP locations up to the Sinone and the Sihela gate. Reports say the peshmerga withdrew from their positions without any clashes in these areas.

PEOPLE ARE ANGRY

The Hashd al-Shaabi took over the Sihela Gate by noon and closed off the road between Southern Kurdistan and Shengal. By that time, long queues were formed by the people trying to go into Shengal but nobody was allowed through. The people in Shengal also started to protest in some locations. During the day, people said they will not go anywhere and they will not abandon their homes.

“WE WILL FIGHT IF THERE’S AN ATTACK ON THE PEOPLE”

YBŞ and YJŞ forces continue to defend their positions from Shengal enter to Sinone and Borik and Dahola and then to Sikiniye-Mediban-Hayale line in the areas previously liberated. The YBŞ say they stand against war and treason but they will fight until the end if there is an attack on them or the Êzidî people.

The last two days have seen critical hours. All forces are on hold, and continue to protect their positions. The people continue to support the YBŞ ranks.