Iraqi forces have captured a key air base north of the city of Kirkuk along with several positions to the south following a call by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi to reclaim control of the disputed area from Kurdish forces.
The Iraqi military said Monday it was continuing to advance after making the gains that included taking the K1 air base.
State television reported that government troops had taken control of “vast areas” in Kirkuk province overnight. Kurdish officials disputed that account, but said Iraqi security forces backed by militias were involved in a “major, multi-pronged operation” meant to enter Kirkuk city and seize the air base and oil fields.
The Kurdistan Regional Security Council said the pro-government fighters had advanced from Tuz Khurmatu, about 10 kilometers south of Kirkuk, to launch an “unprovoked attack” on Peshmerga forces.
The clashes came as Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s office ordered Iraqi security forces to “impose security in the city in cooperation with the inhabitants and the Peshmerga.”
Kurds have controlled Kirkuk city since pushing out Islamic State fighters who swept into Iraq in 2014, and have long disagreed with the central government over who should control areas in the surrounding province, including its oil fields.
Tensions rose further three weeks ago when the government of the semi-autonomous Kurdish region held an independence referendum that was overwhelmingly approved by those who voted.
Abadi’s government rejected the referendum as illegal, as did neighboring Turkey and Iran, which also have large Kurdish populations.
The United States said the vote lacked legitimacy and that it supports a “united” Iraq.
During the multi-national fight against Islamic State, the United States has provided military supplies and training to both the Iraqi armed forces and the Peshmerga.
A spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition, Col. Ryan Dillon, said it is closely monitoring the situation in Kirkuk and urging “all sides to avoid escalatory actions” while keeping the focus defeating Islamic State. | via Voice of America
