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Kirkuk
- On Wednesday, April 13, the Iraqi security forces conducted a military operation against ISIS (Dae’sh) near the Rokhana valley, claiming the “destruction of the largest” terrorist hideout and seizing weapons and IED. The military operation was in retaliation for Da’esh killing five soldiers. However, on Thursday, April 15, Da’esh terrorists released footage near the same area grilling fish for the Iftar dinner. In the recent two weeks, the terrorist organization increased attacks after a relevant calmness.
- The Iraqi Defense Ministry released the names of 135 students accepted into the military academy. However, Among them, only six Kurds and 116 Arabs, the majority from al Jabouri tribe. Upon releasing the names, the list went viral on social media, criticizing the discriminatory policies in hiring. Simultaneously, lawmakers of the Turkish-backed Turkmen Front held a press conference and accused the Iraqi ministry of “discrimination” against the Turkmen minority, including the security commanders. Separately, Kirkuk’s agriculture department removed the Kurdish writings on its main sign, in a continuous act by the administration, part of the Arabization policy imposed on the Kurds since October 16, 2017.
- After eight years, the Iraqi Central Bank lifted the ban on private currency exchange companies from Kirkuk, Saladin, and Nineveh. Though the decision still limits the amount of trade allowed with the bank, private currency exchange companies from Kirkuk, Saladin, and Ninevah can now purchase US dollars from the central bank for the first time since 2014. The ban was imposed as a step to limit Da’esh money laundering.
- On Monday, April 18, the Arab Danadish tribe leaders in the Hawija district met and agreed on a marriage dowry. The tribe decided to ban wedding photography and music playing while imposing two million Iraqi dinars (1,800 USD) as a dowry. The statement by the tribe angered civilian activists who accused the tribal leaders of violating human rights.
- The education ministry launched investigations into the Kirkuk education department regarding the reconstruction of 23 schools. The renovated schools have been 98% complete for four years, but the department has not provided equipment and supplies for reopenings. The schools are located inside the city, mostly in Kurdish areas, and the current director of education, Abed Ali al Jabouri, faces other corruption cases.
- Kirkuk court sentenced three Kurds, including a former lawmaker and head of the municipality from 2003-2011, Jamal Shakur, to a year in prison for “master of public money.” The sentence is suspended on the two municipality employees for three years based on their criminal records, but the court ruling is appealable.
Khanaqin
- Da’esh attack on the Sunni forces, known as “Tribal mobilization,” near Qara Tapah killed three members and wounded nine. Moreover, a senior security delegation from the federal government visited Khanaqin and discussed “important issues with the senior security leaders in Diyala.” In Thursday’s late hours, another Da’esh attack killed three Iraqi soldiers and wounded seven more in the Halwan valley near Jalawla.
Tuz Khurmatu
- On Friday, April 8, Da’esh terrorists kidnapped four shepherds and 500 cattle near Yangija village. One of the shepherds escaped, and three more were later freed. Yangija has remained a terror hub since 2003.
Makhmour
- Despite constant air strikes on Da’esh’s primary hub in the Qara Chokh Mountains, the terror group launched more attacks, including injuring two Iraqi soldiers on Tuesday. Moreover, two shepherds were kidnapped last week in the Pir Mehdi village. Due to the security vacuum left by the Kurdish forces, the terror group has reemerged since 2017.
Shingal (Sinjar)
- Clashes erupted between the Iraqi Army and the PKK-backed Ezdixan (Yazidi) Security forces on Monday, April 18, in Snuny subdistrict. The fight started when the Yazidi forces refused to surrender a checkpoint to the Iraqi forces. On and off, clashes continued for three days with wounds on both sides. Currently, the situation remains intense and Iraqi forces have warned the Yazidi forces of further action. The tensions are part of the Iraqi government’s attempt to implement the Sinjar Agreement.