ERBIL, July 28 (AKnews)
The Iraqi army's force expedition beyond Rabi'a district on Iraqi-Syrian border means nothing but "occupation", said deputy for peshmarga (Kurdistan border guards) minister.
Yesterday a force from the 10th Iraqi Army Division, positioned in Rabi'a district, moved towards Sleha district and Qahira village of Zumar district, close to the border under the protection of 8th Peshmarga Brigade.
Peshmarga prevented the Iraqi army from progressing more and soon reports of confrontation spread but the Ministry of Peshmarga refuted them.
The issue of Iraqi army's advance into Saaif district and Ga'ina village has not be settled yet, said Anwar Osman, deputy for peshmarga minister.
Osman added the Iraqi force have temporarily withdrawn and settled in the Qahira village which lies outside the area under the protection of peshmarga.
The official continued the force has dug ditches and trenches near Qahira of Zumar district (one of the areas whose ownership is disputed by Kurds and Baghdad).
Osman said "we will not allow for them to get closer, especially to the border of the 8th Peshmarga Brigade.
"The arrival of this force of the Iraqi army means nothing but bad intent and occupation.... because this border district is stable and there are no issues there."
He added peshmarga has warned the Iraqi force "not to advance or else we will have another response."
The Iraqi army has already moved the armed forces in Dhi Qar province to the Syrian border in Anbar province and the 10th Division to the Iraqi-Syrian border line in Ninenveh province.
© AK News 2012
