Middle East

US engaging Iraqi, Kurdish authorities to de-escalate tensions in Kirkuk – State Dept

Washington is engaging Iraqi and Kurdish authorities to de-escalate tensions in Kirkuk amid reports of clashes, a U.S. State Department official told The Defense Post on Sunday. Earlier in the day,  Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced an operation to retake federal installations in Kirkuk, which is largely under the control of Kurdistan Regional Government. “We are monitoring the situation in Kirkuk closely and are very concerned by reports of a confrontation.  We are engaged with all parties in Iraq to de-escalate tension,” the official said. “We support the peaceful exercise of joint GOI [Government of Iraq] – KRG authority in all disputed areas.” Tensions between Baghdad and Erbil escalated after the Kurdish independence referendum held on September 25. Ninety-two percent of Kurds voted in favor of secession from Iraq, but federal authorities proclaimed the referendum unconstitutional and refused to recognize the results. Thousands of volunteers from othe cities of Kurdistan are pouring in to Kirkuk. @HaiderAlAbadi started the war using PMF & chose Kirkuk, but he should wait, Kurdistan reaction will be much stronger than they expected. — Dr. Hemn Hawrami (@heminhawrami) October 16, 2017 US calls on Iraqi, Kurdish authorities to avoid escalatory actions in Kirkuk

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US calls on Iraqi, Kurdish authorities to avoid escalatory actions in Kirkuk

Washington is urging Baghdad and Erbil to de-escalate tensions and avoid destabilizing actions in Kirkuk, Pentagon told the Defense Post on Sunday.

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M60 tank upgrade unveiled by Italy’s Leonardo at Bahrain’s BIDEC

Italian defense contractor Leonardo is to present its modular M60 tank upgrade solution at the first Bahrain International Defence Exhibition and Conference

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SDF launches final assault on Raqqa after some ISIS fighters evacuated

The U.S.-backed SDF launched a final assault on the remaining ISIS-held areas of Raqqa after some ISIS fighters evacuated from the Syrian city overnight

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ISIS fighters to evacuate Raqqa or surrender to SDF after deal with tribal elders

Islamic State fighters are set evacuate Raqqa or surrender to the U.S.-backed SDF under a deal reached with Arab tribal elders and Raqqa Civil Council

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Syria demands immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from Idlib

Syria has demanded an immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops from its northwestern Idlib province, deeming it an aggression against Syrian sovereignty

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No strikes reported in Raqqa as Coalition targets ISIS near the Iraq-Syria border

U.S.-led Coalition strikes in Syria and Iraq destroyed an Islamic State headquarters in Al Bukamal and communications infrastructure in Qaim

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Council, tribes reach deal to evacuate civilians from ISIS-held Raqqa

Raqqa Civil Council and local Arab tribal elders have brokered a deal to evacuate civilians from the city, an arrangement designed to minimise casualties

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Erbil and Baghdad are on brink of war in Kirkuk – Kurdistan Representative

Kurdistan is calling on the international community to help de-escalate situation in Kirkuk as the region is hovering on the brink of war.

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Coalition strikes destroy ISIS positions in Raqqa and continue near Syria-Iraq border

U.S.-led Coalition strikes destroyed two communications nodes and 10 fighting positions in Raqqa, and continued near the Iraq/Syria border on Thursday

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