Iraq clearing border from terrorist groups ahead of Pezeshkian visit
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Iranian media reports that the relocation includes the Komala terrorist group.
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Iraqi security forces stand guard in the Zakho district village of Parakh in the north of Iraq's Kurdish region, July 22, 2022 (AFP)
Iraq has commenced the removal of anti-Iran terrorist groups from the Kurdish region along its border with the Islamic Republic, relocating them to more distant bases per a security pact between Tehran and Baghdad signed in 2022, Iranian media reported on Sunday.
The Komala terrorist group confirmed in a statement that, as part of this agreement, it has evacuated its bases in Zargwez and moved its forces to the Swaresh district near the city of Dukan, approximately 40 km north.
Under the security agreement, all terrorist and separatist groups are required to vacate their bases near Iran's borders and disarm. Certain groups, including the Kurdish Democratic Party of Iran, have already relocated their headquarters.
Read more: Iran, Iraq key 'pillars of security' in region: Bagheri Kani
This comes ahead of the planned visit of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Iraq on Wednesday. As a gesture of goodwill, Baghdad compelled other terrorist groups, including the Komala group, to relocate, according to Iran media.
The security agreement between Tehran and Baghdad, aimed at disarming and removing terrorist groups from Iraqi Kurdistan, was reached following IRGC drone and missile strikes on these groups' bases in response to their provocations during the 2022 foreign-backed riots.
Pezeshkian's visit will mark his first foreign trip since assuming office in late July.
