What is happening in Northern Iraq at the moment?

It is reported that Iraqi forces have launched an operation to have control of military bases and oil wells in Kirkuk. Based on reports so far, it is gathered that Iraqi government forces took over Khalid’s military camp in Kirkuk. On the other hand, Iraqi Prime Minister IBADI who appointed Rakan al-Jbourri as the Governor of Kirkuk is also reported to have conveyed a message to Peshmerga (Kurdish troops) urging them to serve the Iraqi army.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haydar al-Ibadi announced that the military operation had begun to recapture Kirkuk from the peshmerga. Prime Minister Haydar al-Ibadi also ordered the armed forces to protect the safety of all people in Kirkuk.

According to reports circulated by Iraqi state television, the “troops to fight terrorism”, the 9th Brigade and the federal police achieved control in Kirkuk, without confrontation. Iraqi forces on the other hand are reported to have reached the oil fields of Baba Kassar and Bai Hassan in Kirkuk and captured Kirkuk Airport. Two Iraqi commanders who spoke to Reuters stated that the Iraqi army would not enter Kirkuk, and that the goal of the army was to secure the city’s surroundings.

In the city however, clashes between troops serving KDP (Barzani’s party) and others serving KYB (Talabani’s party) were reported to have taken place.

The Iraqi state television claimed that Iraqi troops had acquired a very large area in Kirkuk; Khalid military camp, Kirkuk Natural Gas Cycle Power Plant, Shorija, Kirkuk industrial area and more …