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ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – Despite the ceasefire announced between Iraqi Shia militia Hashd al-Shaabi and Kurdish Peshmerga in Khurmatu, the militia set fire to Kurdish houses on Monday.
On Sunday, clashes intensified between Hashd al-Shaabi and Peshmerga forces in the town of Khurmatu, located in the southern part of Kirkuk Province.
On Monday, the militia burned three Kurdish houses in Khurmatu despite the ceasefire announced the day before.
According to the latest update from Kurdistan24 reporter Hemin Dallo, five Peshmerga, including Khurmatu youths, have been killed, and five were wounded while about 12 Hashd al-Shaabi militiamen have been killed, and over 20 wounded.
The clashes started on Saturday evening when a militiaman threw a grenade at a Peshmerga house in the town.
Peshmerga and Kurdish youths in Khurmatu advanced in the town and controlled more than four bases belonging to the Shia militia.
On Sunday afternoon, Hashd al-Shaabi commander Hadi Amri visited Khurmatu and met with the Kirkuk Governor and Peshmerga commanders. Following the meeting, both sides agreed on a ceasefire and told journalists that those who triggered the clashes will be punished.
However, Kurdish people in the town refused to abide by the ceasefire and insisted on dismissing the militia in Khurmatu. They stated that the militia has triggered the clashes and killed Kurds.
“They have killed our brothers. We call on Kurdish security not to stop us until we kick this militia out of the town,” a Kurdish youth carrying a weapon told Kurdistan24.
http://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/0...b-45875aa16526
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