Tensions between Washington and Iran have presented Kurdish authorities with a delicate problem.

The expanding activities of the brigade pose fresh diplomatic challenges to both Kurdish authorities and the United States.

The wounded were taken to three hospitals and Kurdish authorities appealed for blood donations.

Kurdish militiamen might become part of the national military, though they would answer to Kurdish authorities, he added.

According to a report prepared by the Kurdish authorities, Ansar recently had a pipeline of young men schooled to die.

Kurdish authorities ordered an investigation and subsequently made several arrests, though their reports have failed to convince the family.

But the Kurdish authorities balked, and Iraqi officials in Baghdad appeared to back away from their edict.

"Where's the result of investigation committees of Kurdish authority?"

The article even notes that the International Committee for the Red Cross regularly visits the inmates and is in contact with the Kurdish authorities.

He added that he had been visited by consular officials, who have been discussing his circumstances with the Kurdish authorities.