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16 Oct 2017 | 10:02 AM UTC

Iraq: Iraqi military advances towards Kirkuk Oct. 16 /update 1

Federal forces begin advance towards disputed territory of Kirkuk October 16 following failed negotiations with Kurdish regional government

Warning

Event

On early Monday morning, October 16, Iraqi army, counter-terrorism, and federal police forces launched operations to "impose security in Kirkuk" following a reported breakdown of negotiations between the autonomous Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the central Iraqi government the day prior. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi called on the people of Kirkuk to cooperate as federal forces move in and seize control of areas south and west of the city of Kirkuk. The Iraqi Joint Operations Command has announced that federal forces have already taken control of a number of oil and gas facilities, including Kirkuk Power station and the North Gas Company complex southwest of the city. Local reports also indicated the Iraqi military had positioned forces inside the K-1 airbase to the west of the city of Kirkuk. Clashes have been reported on the outskirts of the city, in the Falakha industrial district and Tuz Khourmatu to the south.

Context

These recent developments follow failed negotiations between the central government in Baghdad and the KRG on October 15. The situation currently remains fluid; despite the failed talks, there remains significant international pressure to resolve the conflict diplomatically.

Kirkuk is located outside the constitutionally agreed boundaries of the Kurdish Region of Iraq (KRI) but is claimed by both Federal Iraq and the KRG. KRI officially includes three provinces (Erbil, Dahuk, and Sulaymaniyah) protected by a security force (Peshmerga) independent from the Iraqi government. The region held a referendum for independence on September 25, deemed unconstitutional by Baghdad; the "yes" vote for independence won with 92 percent of votes cast.

On September 29, the central Iraqi government in Baghdad banned all international flights to and from Iraqi Kurdistan until further notice, with an exception for humanitarian and emergency flights (pre-approved by Baghdad). On October 2, it was announced that foreigners stranded in Iraqi Kurdistan due to the international flight ban would be permitted to leave the region via domestic flights to Baghdad International Airport (BIAP) without obtaining an Iraqi visa (if they entered the region with a Kurdistan visa).

Advice

Individuals in Iraqi Kurdistan (KRI) are advised to abstain from all nonessential travel in and around Kirkuk province. Travelers are advised to postpone any trips to KRI until the situation stabilizes. 

Generally speaking, the security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.