Iraq disbands Eastern Tigris Operation Command covering Kirkuk–Tuz Khurmatu

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq has disbanded the Eastern Tigris Operation Command, a military formation that covered a wide area from south of Kirkuk to Tuz Khurmatu, including parts of Kirkuk and Saladin provinces, according to security sources. The decision was made as part of a restructuring of operational responsibilities and military deployments, with the reassignment of units formerly under the command to be determined by the relevant military authorities. The areas previously under the command will continue to be covered under the security framework of the Iraqi Armed Forces General Command's new organizational structure, the sources said. Separately, the Turkmen parliamentary bloc called for federal forces to remain in Kirkuk and Tuz Khurmatu. Iraqi Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Abdulamir Rashid Yarallah also conducted a field visit to the Kirkuk operations area to assess troop readiness and the security situation on the ground.