Yawar said he met with a U.S. and U.K. joint delegation on Thursday to discuss the latest developments in Iraq and the region.

“One of the topics of discussion was in regards to the potential the return of Peshmerga forces to the disputed areas, which they had controlled beginning in 2014,” Yawar added.

“The Global Coalition has also expressed support for the decision.”

He said Coalition’s support for the Peshmerga to return to those areas is related to the increase of “terrorist acts” and the appearance of militant groups.

Kurdish forces retreated from the disputed zone in mid-October after Iraqi security forces launched operations to retake the area from the Peshmerga in mid-October 2017 in the wake of the Kurdish referendum on independence.

Islamic State (IS) militants, disguised as soldiers, attacked a Hashid al-Shaabi unit in the Hawija region in Kirkuk province on February 18th, killing 27 Shia fighters.

Reporter’s code: 50101