PKK stands with Iranian, Assad regime, says Peshmerga chief

The terrorist PKK and its armed offshoots in Sinjar receive funding from al-Hashd al-Shaabi, the Iran-backed paramilitary forces, to complete the so-called "Shia Crescent," and open a corridor from Iraq to Syria, Peshmerga Chief of Staff Jamal Iminiki said on Saturday.

Interviewed by Kurdistan24, Iminiki said that over 1,000 fighters from PKK’s armed wings, such as the Sinjar Resistance Units (YBS), receive salaries from al-Hashd al-Shaabi, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF).

The Peshmerga commander indicated that the presence of the militants affiliated with PKK is directed by Iraq’s al-Hashd al-Shaabi, the Iranian regime and the Assad regime.

"The stationing of PKK-affiliated groups in the area is under a regional agenda. They are directed and lined by al-Hashd al-Shaabi, Iran, and Syria to complete the Shia Crescent in the region," Iminiki said.

On Friday, clashes broke out between Peshmerga forces and YBS in the Khanasor area located in northwestern Sinjar. The clashes lasted more than two hours and resulted in casualties on both sides.