Iraqi Forces Impose Control over Scores of Strategic Regions in Kirkuk

TEHRAN (defapress)- The Iraqi forces have launched a major offensive over several fronts aimed at retaking the Kurdish-held city of Kirkuk, capturing several points in the region, Iraq's Joint Operations Command (JOC) said on Monday.

News ID: 66472

Date: 16 October 2017 - 19:39

The JOC said that "anti-terrorism units" had captured the K1 military base Northwest of Kirkuk city following the withdrawal of Kurdish Peshmerga fighters.

In the meantime, the Iraqi Federal Police Command reported that the Iraqi force have gained control over the North gas company, Mollah Abdullah power plan, Maryam Beig bridge, Khlid bridge, the village of Sajalan, Sarjalan police center, al-Hadithen warehouses, al-Huweija square, Huweija regiment command center, the village of Chahish, al-Reshad crossroad, and the villages of Tobzadeh and Qarash Tapeh.

The army forces captured several strategic positions, including Leilan region in Kirkuk Babakar fields, police center and Kirkuk power plan.

In the meantime, the Arabic-language Elam al-Harbi said that forces of the Federal Police and rapid reaction units have restored security to Kirkuk airport and al-Horieyh base.

The Iraqi force also captured the governor general building in Kirkuk, while other units of the Iraqi forces seized control over the town of Tuz Kharmato in Southern Kirkuk.

Meanwhile, Pishmarga accused some of the Kurdish officials of betrayal and delivering positons to the volunteer forces of Hashd al-Shaabi.

Iraqi joint forces' mission to restore security to Kirkuk province was announced by Iraqi Prim Minister Haydar al-Abadi and the Chief Commander of Iraq's Armed Forces this morning.

The Iraqi forces have thus far captured over 100 sq/km of land in Kirkuk province. Tensions are high between the central government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) over the controversial referendum.

The plebiscite took place on September 25, sparking strong objection from Baghdad.

Iraq’s neighbors and the international community also voiced concerns about the repercussions of the vote, which was only supported by Israel.

Kurdish leaders have coveted Kirkuk, with some 10 percent of Iraq’s oil reserves, for long and described it as part of their proper even as, roughly two-thirds of the city's population are non-Kurd.