Iraq: Car bomb explodes in Kirkuk September 16

Event

Security officials reported that a suspected vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) detonated in the city of Kirkuk on Saturday, September 16. According to local authorities, the attack took place outside of a liquor store in the Adan neighborhood. Media reports said that at least three people were killed and another nine wounded in the blast. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Context

Local authorities suspect that the Islamic State (IS) carried out the bombing. Media reports said that Kurdish Peshmerga forces successfully repelled an IS attack near Tuz Khurmatu on September 7. In recent months, IS has carried out several operations against Peshmerga positions in the Kirkuk area.

The Iraqi and Kurdish militaries’ successes against IS are likely to spur retaliatory attacks and there is much evidence to assume that as IS continues to lose its territory, it will increasingly employ asymmetrical means of warfare (e.g. terrorist tactics).

Advice

Individuals in Kirkuk are advised to avoid the blast area and remain vigilant.

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.