Iraqi officials deny Peshmerga row

BAQUBA, Iraq, Aug. 14 (UPI) -- Iraqi military officials operating against militants in eastern Diyala province denied rumors of a potential conflict with the Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

The Iraqi Defense Ministry this week ordered Peshmerga forces out of northern areas in Diyala province, while Peshmerga commanders said the matter was a decision for Kurdish officials to decide.

But top-ranking Iraqi military officials deployed in northern areas of Diyala province, which is populated by Kurds, denied there was any tension between the two military forces, The Kurdish Globe reported Thursday.

"We came to Jalewla district and are now deployed in Qaratapa; we don't have any operation against the Peshmarga in our plans, as (some) media report," said Iraqi Gen. Tariq Abdul-Wahab Jassim.

Peshmerga forces had deployed to other areas of Iraq to work alongside national military forces, and Jassim said cooperation had continued in the Diyala operations.

"Our cooperation is very good and there is no tension between us," he said.