A military source confirmed that the Dijlah Operations Command will assume security responsibilities in Khanaqin, a disputed territory in northeastern Diyala province by the end of this month, as the area is witnessing a decrease in violent militant activity.
The source who spoke on condition of anonymity and is a member of the joint coordination committee of formed by the Iraqi army and the Kurdish Peshmarga forces told KirkukNow that an Iraqi army brigade is planned to be deployed to Khanaqin and Jalawla replacing the emergency police forces which will be sent to the Hamrin area.
Four PMF brigades were deployed in the environs of Khanaqin after a surge in terrorist activities
“The army brigade which is part of the Dijlah Operations Command will take over the security dossier in Khanaqin and Jalawla”, the source added.
In the meantime, Abu Eelaf, a commander in the Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said their units were “deployed in the environs of Khanaqin at the request of the Iraqi army after a surge in terrorist activities in the area.”
He indicated that 4 PMF brigades are deployed to maintain security there.
Abu Eelaf reaffirmed that the PMF will stay, adding that their units have begun to install advanced thermal cameras in the area within a robust plan to protect villagers from potential threats.
