Iraq

Kirkuk situation won’t delay operations to liberate Qaim, Rawa from ISIS – Pentagon

Tensions between Iraqi and Kurdish authorities over Kirkuk will not impacted plans to liberate Qaim and Rawa from Islamic State.

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Coalition strikes near Syria-Iraq border while Raqqa strikes are paused

U.S.-led Coalition strikes in continued to focus on Islamic State targets near the Iraq-Syria border on Sunday, Operation Inherent Resolve said.

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Coalition says movements of military vehicles in Kirkuk ‘not attacks’

The U.S.-led Coalition against ISIS is monitoring movements of personnel and military vehicles near Kirkuk, which they say have not resulted in attacks yet.

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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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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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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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Iraqi army denies sending troops to seize control of Kirkuk

An Iraqi general denied that troops had been sent to take control over Kirkuk after reports that the army was advancing on the Kurdish-held city

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Iraqi troops move to Rawa, Qaim near Syria border after capturing Hawija

Iraqi forces are moving to Rawa and Qaim near the Syrian border after their capture of Hawija from ISIS, US Coalition Envoy Brett McGurk said.

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