The Battle of Makhmour was a pivotal 2014 engagement during the conflict between Kurdish forces and ISIS. As the Kurdish Peshmerga sought to secure territory left vulnerable by the Iraqi Army's retreat, ISIS launched an offensive, aiming to reclaim lost ground and secure its caliphate.
Background.
Following the Fall of Mosul in June and the subsequent Iraqi withdrawal from disputed areas, the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) asserted control, taking over the disputed cities of Kirkuk and Makhmour. Initially, it appeared unlikely that the Peshmerga forces would engage ISIS. However, as ISIS gained access to significant quantities of Iraqi Army stockpiles, their aggression escalated, leading to threats and attacks against. The first ISIS assault on the Peshmerga occurred in Zumar on 1 August, followed by an attack on Makhmour on 6 August.
Battle.
Initially, the Peshmerga made significant territorial gains, securing areas abandoned by the retreating Iraqi Army, including the town of Makhmour. However, ISIS launched a new offensive on 3 August, successfully pushing back the already overstretched Peshmerga forces.
Despite initially repelling the first wave of attacks, the Peshmerga faced an escalating assault, especially with the influx of vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), which significantly weakened their position. This prompted a retreat as ISIS advanced toward Makhmour and the nearby Makhmour Refugee Camp, putting both under grave threat.
In response to the worsening situation, the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) deployed their fighters to the strategically important Qaracux Mountain area to assist the Kurdish forces. The PKK's support was critical in slowing down the ISIS advance and provided crucial reinforcement to the Peshmerga.
By 7 August, Kurdish forces, including the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and its Peshmerga units, launched a counteroffensive. Despite being outnumbered and outgunned, they succeeded in retaking Makhmour from ISIS control. The successful counterattack was largely attributed to better coordination between the Peshmerga and PKK forces, as well as strategic airstrikes by the United States that helped weaken ISIS positions in the area.
The battle highlighted the growing cooperation between Kurdish factions, particularly the PKK and the Peshmerga, as they worked together to counter the advancing ISIS forces.
References.
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