At a Glance

• Defense Ministry denies force withdrawal
• Yahya Rasool says forces were redeployed
• Channel8 source reports brigade withdrawal
• Replacement forces expected in Daquq

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Iraq’s Defense Ministry has rejected reports of a security force withdrawal from the Kirkuk area, describing the latest movements as a routine redeployment, while an informed source has provided a different account to Channel8.

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Key Statements and Focus Area

• Yahya Rasool: “What happened in the area is merely a redeployment.”
• Defense Ministry: Reports of an army withdrawal from checkpoints between Tuz Khurmatu and Kirkuk are “entirely untrue.”
• Channel8 source: The withdrawal of the 87th Commando Brigade has begun following the dissolution of its command.

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The Iraqi Ministry of Defense has denied reports that security forces are being withdrawn from military checkpoints between Tuz Khurmatu and Kirkuk.

Yahya Rasool, spokesperson for the Ministry of Defense, said Thursday that the movements in the area constitute a redeployment rather than a withdrawal.

“What happened in the area is merely a redeployment; it was a routine rotation and maneuver of forces aimed at strengthening border checkpoints,” Rasool said.

He added that the measures are part of approved military plans and programs and have “no connection whatsoever to a withdrawal.”

An informed source in the Daquq subdistrict provided a different account to Channel8.

The source said the 87th Commando Brigade (Mughavir) has begun withdrawing following the dissolution of its command.

According to the source, the withdrawal process is expected to be completed by Tuesday.

The source said the positions left by the 87th Brigade are expected to be filled by the 40th Brigade of the 11th Division, which operates under the Kirkuk Operations Command.

The planned replacement would prevent a security vacuum in the area following the movement of the 87th Brigade.

The reported changes follow a decision to dissolve the East Salah al-Din Operations Command.

The decision came after a visit to Kirkuk Governorate last week by Abdul Amir Yarallah and has now entered into force.

The Defense Ministry maintains that the movements are part of a planned redeployment, while the informed source describes the ongoing departure of the 87th Brigade as a withdrawal following the dissolution of its command.

FYI

The latest developments come as Iraqi authorities adjust the structure and deployment of security forces around Kirkuk and neighboring areas. The reported dissolution of the East Salah al-Din Operations Command and the planned transfer of responsibilities between brigades form part of the latest changes to the military presence in the area.

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