In recent tensions in Kirkuk, choas have escalated and resulted in the loss of four lives as Kurdish protestors were killed by Iraqi forces. The protests originated when Arabs and Turkmens of blocked the Erbil-Kirkuk highway with the intention of preventing the return of the pro-independence PDK to Kirkuk. These actions were met with further provocation, as the Arabs and Turkmens, backed by Shiite militants, erected tents and displayed anti-Kurdish slogans, aiming to insult the Kurdish residents.
The KDP shut down its offices in Kirkuk after Iraqi forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces with help of PUK regained control of the province in October 2017 and expelled Kurdish Peshmerga.
Three of the KDP’s offices were taken over by Iraqi forces, including that of its leadership council, located on the main Kirkuk-Erbil road and currently occupied by the military’s Joint Operations Command (JOC).
How did The tensions in Kirkuk start?
Recent reports indicate that Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has allegedly ordered the withdrawal of Iraqi forces from the KDP buildings in Kirkuk, with the intention of returning these buildings to the KDP party. The aim of this move is to enable the KDP to reestablish a presence in the city and resume its political activities. However, these rumors have been met with strong resistance from different groups, including the Arab Coalition, supporters of the PMF, and the Turkmens, who have expressed their deep dissatisfaction with such a proposition.
Then Turkmens and Arabs setup tents near to PDK headquarters, asking Iraqi Prime Minister to cancel his previous order. Later, They attacked Peshmerga status and insulted Kurdish flag and national symbols. On Saturday, A convoy of civil defense teams traveling from Erbil to Karbala to assist Shiite pilgrims during the holy Arbaeen procession was pelted with rocks by Turkman and Arabs when it entered Kirkuk. Several people were injured. This caused more tensions in Kirkuk.
Despite the violent actions carried out by Shiite-backed protesters, the Iraqi security forces remained silent and refrained from taking any action to deescalate the tensions in Kirkuk. On the contrary, the Iraqi forces actually supported the continuation of the protests, thereby increasing the pressure on Mohammed Shia Al Sundani.
On Saturday morning, a considerable number of vehicles belonging to Arab and Turkmen protesters drove through Kurdish neighborhoods in Kirkuk, displaying signs with anti-Kurdish slogans and voicing their discontent. This provocative act served to further exacerbate tensions in the area.
In the midst of the escalating tensions, the Kurdish residents of Kirkuk responded to the actions of the Arab and Turkmen protesters by coming together and initiating their own demonstration. They gathered with their Kurdish flags, expressing their support for the return of the pro-independence PDK party. The Kurdish protestors were determined to demand the removal of the blockage on the Erbil-Kirkuk highway.
Tragically, within the first few minutes of the peaceful protest, the situation took a devastating turn. Iraqi forces, in a brutal and unjustifiable act, opened fire on the Kurdish protestors. This heartbreaking incident resulted in the loss of a Kurdish civilian named Hawkar Abdullah. Witnesses have reported that it appeared the Iraqi forces deliberately targeted Hawkar Abdullah because he was holding a Kurdish flag.
Hours later, The Iraqi forces countined shooting at the protestors . Two more innocent civilians, named Samad Mohammed, aged 21, and Haval Abdustar, aged 33, were killed, and twelve others were injured. This escalated the anger and frustration of the Kurdish protestors, who responded by setting fires in the streets. The security forces continued to shoot at the protesters, resulting in the loss of another civilian named Hassan Sabir.
Kurdish Reaction
At the outset of the tensions in Kirkuk, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani released a statement denouncing the actions of the Iraqi forces. Barzani expressed deep concern and disapproval regarding the violent incidents and the shedding of Kurdish blood in Kirkuk.
” For several days now, a group of roadblocks and troublemakers have blocked the road between Erbil and Kirkuk under the pretext of preventing the opening of the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Kirkuk City, and have prevented citizens from carrying out their normal lives and traffic,” Barzani said.
”surprising that in the past few days, the security forces and the Kirkuk police have not in any way prevented these troublemakers from engaging in this illegal behavior.”“But today, they have used violence and brutality against the Kurdish youth of Kirkuk and shed the blood of Kurdish youth. This type of behavior is in no way acceptable and will have very bad consequences” he added.
Barzani promised that “The shedding of the blood of our children in Kirkuk will have a high cost.”
In response to death of Kurdish civilians, there have been reports and footage indicating that Barzani has issued orders for the deployment of Kurdish Peshmerga and CT forces to Pirde in Kirkuk, in anticipation of further developments. A Peshmerga commander in Pirde stated that they have been instructed to remain vigilant and ready for any potential escalations in the situation. The presence of these Kurdish forces aims to ensure the safety and security of the Kurdish residents and to respond effectively to any emerging challenges or threats.
According to the acting governor of Kirkuk, following widespread reports of the deployment of Peshmerga forces, the blockage on the Erbil-Kirkuk highway has been lifted. As a result, all Arab and Turkmen protestors have vacated the premises of the PDK headquarters.
Informations will be updated
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