MESOP : KAK MESUD SENDS HARDWARE TO SYRIA – KURDISTAN

Barzani tells Peshmerga to protect Syrian Kurdistan

31.07.2014 – Hemin Salih – BasNews, Erbil – In the three-day Eid celebration following the end of Ramadan, Iraqi Kurdistan regional president Massuad Barzani made a presentation for Peshmerga forces currently serving on the frontline, promising to provide them with newer and more progressive weapons to help them in the fight against extremist groups.

His visit took him to Peshmerga forces located in Rabia, a city near Mosul, close to the Syrian border.

Hashim Setayie, the General Commander of the Peshmerga Forces in Rabia told BasNews that Barzani has asked them to help Syrian Kurds and protect them as well. His focus was on Syrian Kurdistan in particular due to its strategic location. “He told us to help Syrian Kurds and provide them with any assistance they need,” said Setayie. “Barzani also gave us the good news that they would provide us with new heavy weapons in a near future to better protect the region,” added Setayie. Rabia is a border point between Nineveh Province and part of a disputed region areas of Iraq. The area is currently under the control of Peshmerga forces on the Iraqi side as well as the Syrian side in collaboration with the Syrian People’s Protection Unit (YPG).