Iraqi forces handed back the security responsibilities of the Kurdish town of Khanaqin to Kurdish fighters following an agreement among parties in Iraq's ruling coalition.
Iraqi forces started leaving the Kurd-dominated region Wednesday evening, and the pullout is expected to be completed within two days, a spokesman for the Kurdish Democratic Party said Thursday.
Iraqi forces require the prior approval of Kurdish local authorities to enter the region, Kurdish officials said.
Iraqi forces entered Khanaqin in July as part of a raid in search of insurgents and armed groups in Diyala province, replacing Kurdish fighters. Their continued presence irked the local people, who held demonstrations last week.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com