In a demonstration of ongoing security coordination, Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi Army carried out a successful joint operation early Sunday morning in the strategic border areas adjacent to Mount Qarachugh.

The operation, which commenced at 6:25 a.m., involved units from the 18th Brigade of the Peshmerga’s 1st Infantry Division and the 14th Brigade of the Iraqi Army’s 50th Division. According to a statement from the Peshmerga Ministry, the joint force targeted specific locations in the rugged mountainous terrain as part of pre-planned security measures.

"The operation was successfully completed and achieved all its intended objectives," the ministry stated, noting that it was directly supervised by the commander of the Peshmerga's 18th Infantry Brigade to ensure close coordination.

The area around Mount Qarachugh is considered strategically sensitive. Its difficult terrain has historically been exploited by militant groups for movement and regrouping, particularly in territories disputed between the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the federal government in Baghdad.

This collaboration marks a significant step in efforts to stabilize regions that have faced security gaps. These vulnerabilities emerged after the 2017 Kurdistan Region independence referendum, when Iraqi forces retook control of areas outside the KRG's administration in places like Kirkuk, Makhmour, and Nineveh, leading to a Peshmerga withdrawal. Security officials have noted that these gaps have been exploited by remnants of ISIS.

In response to the persistent threat of extremist resurgence, joint operations between Erbil and Baghdad have intensified in recent years. Sunday's mission is seen as part of broader efforts to reinforce security cooperation, close operational vulnerabilities, and protect civilians in these contested zones.