Baghdad and Erbil reached an agreement on October 9 designed to normalize security in the district, primarily by providing for the removal of armed groups from the district, including those affiliated the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), and enabling the return of displaced people.

April 1 was the deadline for the armed groups to leave, with only those under the umbrella of the federal government allowed to remain, but it was not met, NRT reported.

Al-Khafaji said that the federal government is working to ensure that the terms of the agreement are met, including by providing reconstruction funds in the 2021 budget that the Council of Representatives just passed.

He added that Baghdad plans to open National ID directorate offices and courts in the district.

Reporter's code: 50101