12 Years Since CTG and PUK Forces Liberated Makhmur from ISIS

Kurdistan 11:00 AM - 2026-08-10

Makhmur district.

Twelve years ago today, on 10 August 2014, the Kurdistan Region's Counter Terrorism (CTG), alongside Peshmerga forces of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), liberated the district of Makhmur and its surrounding areas after they had fallen under the control of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). The operation halted the group's advance towards Erbil and removed the immediate threat to the Kurdistan Region's capital.

At the time, ISIS's rapid advance had sparked widespread panic, forcing many residents of Erbil to flee in fear of the militants' approach. Under the leadership of PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani and other senior PUK figures, CTG and PUK Peshmerga forces were swiftly deployed to defend the city. Within a short period, they recaptured Makhmur and pushed ISIS away from Erbil's outskirts.

Large-Scale ISIS Offensive

Speaking to PUKMEDIA, Rashad Galali, who served as deputy head of the PUK's Qarajogh Organisations Centre during the offensive, recalled that Makhmur came under a major assault after ISIS seized Shingal in August 2014.

"Following the occupation of Makhmur district and the sub-district of Guwer, Erbil came within range of terrorist attacks, creating a serious security threat," Galali said. "As fear spread, many residents began leaving the city."

He explained that immediately after CTG forces arrived in Erbil, they launched a counter-offensive against ISIS, driving the militants out of Makhmur, liberating the district and eliminating the immediate danger to the capital.

Galali said the first forces to enter Makhmur were PUK units, which restored security to the district and pushed ISIS more than 14 kilometres away from the town.

Defending Erbil

According to Galali, ISIS militants had advanced as far as Guwer and the Kandinawe area, placing Erbil under severe threat and prompting thousands of civilians to flee.

He credited the General Directorate of Counter Terrorism with leading the operation that liberated Makhmur and prevented ISIS from advancing further towards Erbil.

"The liberation of Makhmur and the restoration of normal life in the district were achieved thanks primarily to the CTG, whose actions protected Erbil from the threat of occupation," he said.


PUKMEDIA