Iraq Day

On October 15 #Iraq Pres Masum met with Barzani, Talabani’s widow and Nichervan Barzani in Sulaymaniyah giving Barzani the last chance.

The meeting was unsuccessful and just like expected, Masum told Barzani that #Iraq govt will use the military to regain to control.

Barzani ego stood in his way and wanted to risk it all, meanwhile the Talabani family phoned @HaiderAlAbadi to cooperate.

As soon as Pres Masum left Sulaymaniyah to #Baghdad,#Iraq PM gave the green light for forces to advance but not to engage unless for defense

#Iraqi forces advanced onto the outskirts of #Kirkuk city from 6 axes, the main target was the NW axes which was given to Counter Terrorism.

As #Iraqi forces closed in on the city only a few groups tried to prevent by firing at forces, #Iraqi forces returned heavy fire.

The Peshmerga fighters that were loyal to the Talbani were ordered to stand down.

Some of the #Peshmerga fighters (200-300) refused to orders and continued to fire at #Iraqi forces advancing. Later they ran away.

The KDP #Peshmerga came into K1 base around 2 AM on October 16th 3 hours after operation started and stole all the equipment in the base.

#Kirkuk governor showed in the streets of the city asked to people to carry weapons and prevent #Iraq forces from entering the city.

Former #Kirkuk governor ran away to Erbil around 4 AM with a large KDP #Peshmerga convoy.

October 16 7 Am no #Peshmerga were in #Kirkuk city only small groups without any leadership, later they realized they were abandoned.

The KDP #Peshmerga managed to spread rumors among civilians which caused panic among them and ended up fleeing to Sulaymaniyah.

October 16 3 PM #Iraqi forces took control of Kirkuk airports ( Hurria base) and it was just a matter of driving into the governor building.

On the way to the city a few #PKK groups tried to attack #Iraqi forces, but they were met with heavy gunfire some killed others fled.

Around the same the airport was taken a force retook #Kirkuk governor building.

KDP #Peshmerga released #ISIS members that surrendered to them in Hawija ops, Locals captured many of them others headed to the outskirts.

October 16 Around 11 the #ISIS members tried to attack the villages around Dibbis with weapons #Peshmerga left behind when they ran away.

October 17th 3 AM #Iraqi Forces were tasked to start phase 2 of the operations which includes all the disputed areas.

#Iraqi forces advanced toward Sinjar, North Mosul, North Kirkuk North Diyala, east Mosul, and all the oilfield in Kirkuk.

October 17 5 PM #Iraq PM @HaiderAlAbadi ordered Nineveh operation commander to lead a large force to retake #Mosul Dam.

Nineveh operation Com held a meeting and announced #Iraq PM ordered him to inform the #Peshmerga they must return to where they were 2003.

#Iraq PM @HaiderAlAbadi orders to the #Peshmerga to retreat to 2003 were a military orders and not from a politician.

The #Peshmerga listened to the #Iraqi govt orders and refused to fight for Barzani throne, except for a few loyalists.

The total casualties for the Peshmerga were around 40 killed and 60 wounded, some of them were killed by KDP when they chose to withdraw.

#Iraqi forces casualties are 20 dead and 38 wounded, the last #Iraqi fighter to die was near the #Mosul dam when Peshmerga opened fire.

@masoud_barzani is responsible everything that happened between #Iraqi forces and #Peshmerga.

Commanders were told about Kirkuk operation on October 8 but @HaiderAlAbadi was waiting for Masum meeting with Barzani.