WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The independence referendum planned by the Kurdistan Regional Government will impact the campaign in Iraq against Daesh, Operation Inherent Resolve Commander Lt. Gen. Stephen Townsend said on Tuesday.
"I do think it will have some kind of impact and apply additional friction to the campaign," Townsend told reporters when asked about the referendum.
Kurdistan became an autonomous region in Iraq after former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was overthrown and a new constitution was adopted in 2005.
Since then, Kurdistan’s authorities have repeatedly raised the issue of the region’s independence and announced on June 7 that the referendum will be held on September 25.
