Update: Peshmerga and Iraqi Government Forces Exchange Artillery Fire South of Kirkuk
Category: Instability
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
10/16/2017 (Iraq) - Emerging media reports on Monday, 16 October, indicate that Kurdish Peshmerga and pro-Iraqi government forces have exchanged artillery fire south of Kirkuk as Baghdad attempts to retake areas west of the city. According to unconfirmed reports from local social media users, four light armoured vehicles were destroyed by Peshmerga forces after attempting to cross a bridge near the town of Tuz Khurmatu although it is currently unclear whether there were any casualties from the incident. Sporadic artillery fire is reported to be continuing in the area but is unclear whether pro-Baghdad forces have halted there advance around the town. US military aircraft have reportedly been dropping illumination flares over both sides in an attempt to halt the confrontations. According to Iraqi media sources, pro-Baghdad forces began there advance towards Kirkuk in the early hours of Monday with the objective of seizing control of the Peshmerga-held K1 airbase and surrounding oilfields, just west of the city. Low intensity clashes between Kurdish and Turkmen militia groups have been occurring for several days in Tuz Khurmatu amid high tensions between the groups but Monday's incident, if confirmed, would mark a significant uptick in violence in the town.
Those in Tuz Khurmatu and the surrounding area are advised to shelter in place until the situation in the town has stabilised. Travellers in Kirkuk should exercise extreme caution in light of the recent reports and general high state of tension between autonomous Kurdish and federal Iraqi authorities and review contingency and evacuation plans in case of a rapid deterioration in the local security environment.. Clients intending to travel to Kirkuk in the immediate term should consider deferring their travel plans in the immediate to medium term.
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