KIRKUK, Kurdistan Region – Kirkuk is in Kurdistan and “will never fall to the enemy again,” Kurdish President Massoud Barzani vowed, declaring that Iraq’s Kurds would die defending the city from the Islamic State (ISIS).
“Kirkuk is as important to the enemy as it is to us,” Barzani said after visiting some of the highest-ranking Kurdish military leaders, frontline commanders and the Kirkuk governor on Tuesday.
“It is important to them in terms of morale and politically -- if they manage to take Kirkuk. But they must know that either we will all die, or Kirkuk will never fall to the enemy ever again,” he promised. “We will keep Kirkuk even if we have to withdraw forces from other areas.”
Peshmerga forces secured Kirkuk, following an ISIS blitzkrieg across Iraq in June, and reinforced troops already stationed there to prevent the city from falling to the religious zealots. The oil-rich and multi-ethnic city – which is also claimed by Iraq’s Arabs – is regarded by the Kurds as the capital of a future state.
Barzani arrived in the city for the first time since a massive ISIS assault last month, in which dozens of Peshmerga were killed. In addition, 17 Peshmerga soldiers were taken captive by ISIS on the night of January 30 in a surprise attack, and last week paraded in orange jumpsuits inside cages in Hawija, south of Kirkuk.
The president warned that ISIS would pay dearly if it harmed those captives.
“The enemy should know that if those Peshmerga are killed, it will cost them heavily. Those who commit the crime and those who applaud will pay dearly. This is not something to pass easily,” he said.
Barzani also issued a reassurance to all Kirkuk residents, saying the Peshmerga were there to defend them all, “Arabs, Turkmen and Christians, not only the Kurds.”
Speaking from the frontlines, he said that the Kurds had not chosen war, but that it had been imposed on them. “We do not have any other way but to defend ourselves as a nation,” he said. “What the brave Peshmerga have done has impressed the whole world.”
ISIS militants have launched numerous attacks against the Peshmerga on many fronts, especially Kirkuk, Gwer and Makhmour since they were pushed back from the region in September.
“The enemy has managed twice to inflict damage on us. It is certainly not from their bravery, but it means there are shortcomings on our end which we shall look to address,” the president promised.
“In the beginning the enemy exploited some of our weaknesses, but soon the Peshmerga gained great experience and learned the enemy’s war tactics and acquired better weapons. Wherever we are vigilant and alert, the enemy hasn’t been able to do anything,” he said.
“The legend that ISIS was invincible and unbreakable is gone and this was done by the Peshmerga,” Barzani declared. “We will have to push away the enemy threat from Kirkuk.”
Turning to the support to ISIS in Iraq’s Sunni Arab heartland, which allowed the militants to sweep through and capture a third of the country, Barzani called on Arabs who understood the ISIS menace to come forward with action, not words alone.
“We don’t want to get into a war as a nation with the Arabs,” he said. “But who and where are those Arabs who are against ISIS? If there are any, then we shall thank and let them help, but with action not words.
“But we cannot turn a blind eye if they become a shelter for ISIS, who keep attacking us from their areas,” Barzani warned. “If you are with ISIS, it is fine, and if you are against ISIS then come forward and send your people to fight ISIS like the Peshmerga does. Play your role.”
Referring to statements by Baghdad-backed Shiite militias that have said they will send forces to help defend Kirkuk, Barzani declared it was up to the Peshmerga to decide when they needed help, and who from.
“Our principle is this: we spare no effort to fight ISIS wherever we can and we thank anyone who is doing the same,” he said. “If we need anyone’s help, we should be the ones to do decide,” he added. “Unless we make such a decision no other force is allowed in Kirkuk.”
Militia leader Hadi al-Amri, who visited Kirkuk earlier this month, said last week that his forces would be deployed in Kirkuk to help defeat ISIS.
Barzani also ruled out redeployment in Kirkuk of the Iraqi army, which collapsed and fled in June before the ISIS offensive.
“They talk about bringing back the 12th division to Kirkuk, but that won’t happen,” Barzani vowed. “The 12th division will never set foot in Kirkuk. The past mistake will not be repeated.”
He added, “Today’s reality has been achieved with precious blood and we will not tolerate any change to these borders. Everyone should keep this in mind. The Peshmerga have paid with their lives and blood and therefore noon else should think of coming here to decide or rule.”
He declared, “I am not saying we are imposing ourselves here. I will repeat again that the people of Kirkuk are the ones to decide their future. The decision and will of the people of Kirkuk should be respected.”
Barzani reiterated that in Mosul – Iraq’s second-largest city that has been under ISIS control since summer – the Peshmerga would play their role in helping to liberate the city, but that the greater onus lay on government forces and the local people.
“The government forces should play the main role of liberating the city, but because it is still a threat to us we will play our role too,” Barzani said. “As long as ISIS is in Mosul, they will pose a threat to Kurdistan.”
Returning to Kirkuk, Barzani said he wanted to correct a misconception: “Some people say that we have occupied Kirkuk. This is wrong. The Peshmerga were always in Kirkuk. Kirkuk is a city in Kurdistan and its Kurdish identity is not debatable. We are defending Kirkuk not occupying it.”
