681
Kirkuk
- On September 28, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) bombed the headquarters of the Kurdistan Freedom Party (PAK) in the Sherawa village near Pirde district. Four suicide drones were used in two different attacks, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. As a result, at least six people were killed, and five were wounded, including a journalist covering the story of the first Iranian bombardment. The Iranian attacks coincided with the attacks on the headquarters of the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan (KDPI) in Koya district and on the Komala party in Zewrgiz village in Sulaymaniyah.
- On September 29, medical school graduates protested in front of the governor’s office and launched a strike. The Ministry of Health has employed the graduates since last year, but the Kirkuk administration has suspended their employment for “not having Kirkuk “Identification cards.”. However, Kurdish activists accused the acting governor of discriminatory policies since most of the hired graduates are Kurds. The Health Ministry’s hiring process is based on the scores of the graduates.
- On September 25, the Turkish-backed Turkmen Front held a press conference, rejecting the government formation talks without “a major role” of Turkmen in forming it. Hassan Turan, the leader of the Turkmen Front, said that all parties participate in the meetings within the Framework Coordination, but “the Turkmen have been neglected.” The Turkmen Front leader Hasan Turan also said: “Kirkuk’s issue should not be mixed with the formation of the Iraqi government,” in response to the conditions of the Kurdish parties to remove the governor of Kirkuk, whom Baghdad has imposed since October 16, 2017. However, on September 29, Turkmen lawmakers Gharib Askar and Arshad Salihi met with the Coordination Framework’s nominee for the prime ministership Mohammed Shia Sudani to discuss the Turkmen participation in the cabinet.
- On September 26, the Kirkuk administration demolished a fish market in the city for being “illegal.” At least fifty shops in the market were demolished by bulldozers in the Hisabat neighborhood. At least 200 young people worked in the market, raising anger among local activists.
- After the death of Anwar al-Asi, Chief of al-Obaid tribe in Iraq and the Middle East, a dispute arose between the tribe on his replacement. On September 29, al-Obaid tribe met and appointed Wasfi al-Asi as the new leader. However, Burhan Muzhar al-Asi held a press conference and called the appointment of Wasfi al-Asi “a coup” and said,” The opinion of the entire tribe of Obaid has not been taken.” The Obaidi tribe is the largest Arab tribe in Kirkuk and the second largest in Iraq.
Khanaqin
- On September 26, Iraq’s air force struck a Da’esh position near Hamrin lake. After the airstrike, Da’esh terrorists clashed with an Iraqi unit inspecting the area, resulting in the death of five Da’esh terrorists and an Iraqi soldier.
Tuz Khurmatu
- According to a statement issued by the Integrity Commission, the director of the agricultural department of Khurmatu was arrested on the judge’s recommendation. It is also noted that; He has been accused of illegally signing agricultural contracts and letters for several companies. Separately, the security forces in Tuz Khurmatu announced the arrest of two Da’esh terrorists on September 24 and 26.