KIRKUK – The attacks of Iraqi army and the Hashd al-Shaabi forces on Kirkuk continue. As the Peshmerga forces completely withdrew from Kirkuk, the resistance on defense line is reported.

 

Iraqi army and the Hashd al-Shaabi forces attacked the peshmerga forces in Tazelast night at around 2 a.m. Clashes broke out in Xurmatû while the Hashd al-Shaabi forces were trying to take Kirkuk Bridge after Taze. The clashes moved to Pîşesaxî Neighborhood near the city center at 3 a.m.

 

Clashes ended in many places in the morning. Clashes didn’t take place in many places and the peshmerga forces withdrew. The clashes broke out Daquq around 10-11 a.m. and the control of Daquq, Xurmatû, Taze, Tel Wert was taken. The Hashd al-Shaabi forces departed to Keyvan at 11 a.m. and the control its control. The Hashd al-Shaabi forces tried to enter the city center from Arafah suburb after the peshmerga forces left there.

 

Then, the Hashd al-Shaabi forces departed from Teyvan to Arafah and Peylak, they aimed to enter the asayish center left by the KDP and peshmerga forces. Meanwhile, violent conflicts took place on the bridge. The Hashd al-Shaabi forces attacked with tanks. The clashes continue to spread into the city and around Rehimava on the road of Arafah, Peylak and Hewler.

 

Resistance of defense forces going on

 

People’s Defence Forces (HPG), YJA Star, volunteer fighters and peshmerga members, who does not leave the city, continues defending Kirkuk. All main roads, particularly the roads of Kirkuk- Suleimania and Kirkuk-Hewler, have been closed. The roads are reportedly closed in order to prevent possible attacks and to some groups from leaving the city. Thousands flocking to defense line formed by the HPG and YJA Star forces in Kirkuk states that they will not leave the city under any circumstances.

 

According to the latest reports received from Kirkuk, the Peshmerga forces completely withdrew from Kirkuk and some peshmerga members, who don’t want to leave the city, resist against the attacks on the defense line.