Iraqi Kurdistan

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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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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Iraqi officers join Turkish military drill on Kurdistan border

Iraqi troops joined the Turkish security forces for a joint military drill near Iraq border as Kurds went to polls for the independence referendum.

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Iran launches war games, blocks flights to Kurdistan ahead of referendum

Iran military started war games near the border with Kurdistan, one day before the region is scheduled to hold a referendum on independence from Iraq.

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