Iraq: Explosion at Kurdish camp in Makhmur December 6

Event

An explosion was reported at the Martyr Rustam Kurdish refugee camp in Makhmur district (Erbil province) on Wednesday, December 6. Initial reports claimed that at least one person was killed and six others wounded. The cause of the explosion is yet unknown, and details of the event are still emerging.

Context

According to local media reports, some 12,500 refugees reside in the Makhmur camp, many of whom are displaced supporters of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) from nearby southeastern Turkey who fled the country in the 1990s.

Advice

The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas (with proper security protocols in place), other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.