Jump to content

2017 Iraqi–Kurdish conflict

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from 2017 Iraqi Kurdish conflict)

2017 Iraqi–Kurdish conflict
Part of the Iraqi-Kurdish conflict

  Iraqi Government control
  Kurdistan Regional Government control
  Sinjar Alliance control
  ISIL control
Date15 October 2017 – 27 October 2017
(1 week and 5 days)
Location
Northern Iraq
Result Iraqi victory
Territorial
changes		 Iraqi government forces defeat the Peshmerga and capture 20% of the territory controlled by the Kurdistan Region including the city of Kirkuk, along with the surrounding oil fields and border crossings.[5]
Belligerents
 Iraq
Supported by:
 Iran[1]		 Kurdistan Region Kurdistan Regional Government
PKK[2]
PDKI[3]
White Flags (alleged)[4]
Commanders and leaders
Iraq Fuad Masum
(President of Iraq)
Iraq Haider al-Abadi
(Commander-in-chief)
Iraq Gen. Othman al-Ghanmi
(Chief of Staff of Iraqi Armed Forces)
Iraq Lt. Gen. Juma Inad
(Ground Forces commander)
Iraq Maj. Gen. Ma’an al-Saedi
(ISOF-2 commander)[6]
Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis
(Deputy Chairman of Popular Mobilization Committee)
Yılmaz Neccar[7]
(Turkmen PMU commander)		 Kurdistan Region Masoud Barzani
(President of Iraqi Kurdistan, resigned on 1 Nov.)
Kurdistan Region Kosrat Rasul Ali
(Vice President of Iraqi Kurdistan until 1 Nov.)
Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani
(President of the Kurdistan Regional Government)
Kurdistan Region Masrour Barzani
(Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region)
Kurdistan Region Najmiddin Karim
(Kirkuk governor)
Kurdistan Region Lt. Col. Azad Muhammad[8]
Units involved

Iraq Iraqi Army

ITF (protection of headquarters in Kirkuk)[11]

Kurdistan Region Peshmerga

Strength

3,000+ government fighters and PMU forces

300 armored vehicles [12]		 9,000+ Peshmerga forces[13]
Casualties and losses
7 dead (Kirkuk hospital claim)[14] 150 Killed
1 tank Destroyed (Kurdish claim)		 105 killed
200 wounded
45 captured
(PUK claim)[15]
400 Kurdish civilians killed, 200 missing in Kirkuk (per Kurdish media)[16][17]
183,000 displaced (per United Nations)[18]

The 2017 Iraqi–Kurdish conflict, also known as the Kirkuk crisis,[19][20] was a conflict in which the Iraqi government retook disputed territories in Iraq which had been held by the Peshmerga since ISIL's Northern Iraq offensive in 2014. The conflict began on 15 October 2017 after tensions arising from the Kurdistan Region independence referendum of 25 September. The tension between the federal Iraqi government and Kurdistan Region escalated into conflict when the Peshmerga ignored repeated warnings to return Kirkuk to Iraqi government forces.[21] Part of the conflict was the Battle of Kirkuk, when Iraqi forces routed Peshmerga forces from the city in a surprise dawn-offensive, marking the beginning of clashes. [22]

The conflict began in response to a referendum vote on independence held by the Kurdistan Regional Government to break away from Iraq despite the Federal Court deeming the vote unconstitutional.[23] The designated break away areas included territories disputed between the Iraqi central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. The disputed territories had been under the control of government forces prior to ISIL's Northern Iraq offensive during which they switched into the hands of the Kurdistan Regional Government.[24]

The central government demanded the return of the areas to central administration following the end of the war, however this was rejected by the Kurdistan Regional Government.[25] Chief among these areas were the oil rich regions of Kirkuk and Sinjar as well as the areas of Tuz Khurmatu, Makhmur and Jalawla.[26] The vote was heavily opposed by non-Kurdish residents of the territories who had been accusing the Kurdistan Regional Government for years of discriminatory treatment and forced Kurdification of their areas including demolition of entire settlements, gerry-mandering and vote-rigging. [27][28][29]

As a result of the conflict, Kurdistan Region lost a fifth of the land mass it had administered prior to the conflict and was forced to cancel the results of the referendum.[30]

Background

[edit]
Main article: 2017 Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum

The President of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, Masoud Barzani, facilitated the Iraqi Kurdistan independence referendum in September 2017. This led the Prime Minister of Iraq Haider al-Abadi to demand that the referendum result be cancelled, and called on the KRG to initiate dialogue in the framework of the constitution.[31] The Kurdistan Regional Government rejected these offers despite intense pressure from neighbouring countries and the international community, culminating in an air embargo on the region. [32]

The announcement of the referendum was taken negatively within the halls of the Iraqi government.[33] Within the region it was the product of long held dreams of Kurdish independence beginning in the twentieth century as well as local politics within the region.[34] The ruling KDP party, looking to ward off threat to its authority from rival PUK and Gorran parties saw the election as a way to consolidate its power and place its rivals in a difficult position in the backdrop of the upcoming elections.[35] This tense background created disharmony in the rank of the Kurdish leadership which contributed to the defeat of Peshmerga forces in the conflict. [36]

The initial assault came as a surprise given the repeated assurances by the Prime Minister of Iraq, Haider Al Abadi, that there would be no offensive against the region despite the build of Iraqi troops on its borders.[37] This however, turned out to be a ruse to lull Kurdish defences into a sense of security.[38] The assault came in the early hours of 16 October 2017 when the central government forces launched a lightning offensive on the Peshmerga forces on the borders of the city and inside the K9 air base.[39] However, as the battle went on, Kurdish defences began to collapse as the offensive gathered momentum. [40]

Disorganised Peshmerga lines to the south of the city crumbled as they were engaged by Iraqi tanks and a full retreat ensued.[41] By mid-day the KRG appointed mayor of Kirkuk Najmiddin Karim had fled the city and Iraqi counter terrorism forces were seen patrolling the streets having secured the office of the mayoralty and K9 air base.[42] Chaos erupted among the ranks of the Peshmerga as news of the defeat sent shock waves through the region, mutual allegations of betrayal were made among leaders of the PUK and KDP.[43] After the victory in Kirkuk, Iraqi central government forces launched frontal assaults, pincer movements and flanking manoeuvres advancing east towards Tuz Khurmatu and Jalawla and north towards Makhmur and the Mosul dam.[44]

By the end of the conflict, the central government had captured a fifth of the land mass previously administered by the region and was in full control of the disputed territories.[45] The offensive was considered a disastrous defeat in the Kurdish region and sent the price of oil internationally into a sharp spike, however these shortly stabilised as a result of the quick victory of the Iraqi forces. [46][47]

Iraqi advances and clashes

[edit]
See also: Battle of Kirkuk (2017)

The Kurdish Peshmerga ignored a deadline given by the Iraqi Government to withdraw from disputed areas by 15 October 2017. This led to Iraqi central government forces retaking Kirkuk and its province the next day. Within 15 hours, the city of Kirkuk and the nearby K-1 Air Base, along with surrounding oilfields, were retaken by Iraqi forces in a lightning offensive. This, in turn, led to the collapse of Kurdish defenses. The sudden loss of Kirkuk having been the centre of dispute between the central government and the Kurdistan Regional Government came as a shock in the region, disorganising Kurdish defences and throwing Kurdish leadership into disharmony. Mutual accusations of betrayal were made amids international calls for restraint and an end to the fighting.[48]

On 17 October 2017, The Iraqi advance continued, with further gains including Khanaqin near the Iranian border, as well as Jalawla, Bashiqa, and Sinjar towards Syria.[49]

A statement from the Iraqi military on 18 October 2017, confirmed that the Mosul dam and other previously Kurdish-held territories in Nineveh province had been taken from the Peshmerga.[50] Ali Akbar Khafaji, an Iraqi police officer, claimed eight PMU fighters and one Peshmerga fighter were killed in clashes that broke out after the PMU failed to heed the Peshmerga's warnings to not advance on the Mosul dam.[51]

By 19 October 2017, according to Erbil's governor, 100,000 ethnic Kurds had fled the city of Kirkuk and Tuz Khurmatu following the victory by Iraqi forces, with 18,000 Kurds taking shelter in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah.[52] The next day, Hemin Hawrami, a senior assistant to KRG President Masoud Barzani, said in a post on Twitter that 57,000 families from Kirkuk were in need of "immediate assistance" after arriving in various parts of Iraqi Kurdistan and taking shelter in unfinished housing units, having fled from "violence, looting and crimes" perpetrated by the Iranian-trained and largely Shi'ite Popular Mobilization Forces.[53] Kirkuk police called on the media not to publish rumors.[54] The United Nations released a statement saying it was concerned about reports of violence and the forced displacement of Kurdish civilians,[55] and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.[56] It was further reported that UN relief offices received reports that in the town of Tuz Khurmatu, 150 houses were burned and 11 houses were blown up.[57][53][56] The UN noted PM Haider al-Abadi's acknowledgement of incidents in Tuz Khurmatu, caused by what he described as extremist elements from both sides and his decision to send the Iraqi army to restore order in Tuz Khurmatu, as well as the requests of the political and security leaderships of the country for federal and local security forces to act in full respect for law and order and protect civilians and political leaders.[57] The PM accused social media instigators of posting fake videos of the alleged violations.[55] The Niqash website confirmed this increase of false news, as well as hundreds of fake videos & pictures. Leaders on both sides say this is leading to a dangerous escalation of tensions in northern Iraq.[58]

On 19 October 2017, one person was killed and three wounded in a protest against Iraqi forces in Khanaqin. A group of about 150 to 200 unarmed youth carrying Kurdistan flags were protesting, demanding that Iraqi forces leave the city, Col. Azad Isa, Khanaqin's police chief, told Rudaw Kurdish Network.[59] The demonstration was small but energetic, ending with some dancing before they all left. Many said they just wanted the local police to have a presence in town and were not concerned with the larger political struggle over Kurdish independence.[60]

On 20 October 2017, a battle took place in the predominantly Turkmen town of Altun Kupri as Iraqi forces moved towards it.[61] Iraq's Joint Operations Command stated that Peshmerga had used MILAN missiles in the battle, which led to Iraqi criticism as the missiles were given by Germany to the Peshmerga in order to be used against ISIL. The Peshmerga denied they had used the missiles.[62] Earlier, Germany had said it would temporarily stop training Kurdish Peshmerga forces.[63] However, training began again after a week's interruption.[64] Kurdish sources also reported that over 150 PMU fighters were killed or wounded.[65] This was considered to be the first significant battle in which the Peshmerga put up a heavy resistance, whereas in other disputed areas they withdrew after the arrival of Iraqi forces.[66]

By the end of 20 October, Iraqi forces had seized complete control of Kirkuk province.[67] Iraqi Joint Operations Command (JOC) meanwhile denied that Hashd al-Shaabi (PMU) fighters were present among the troops that advanced on Altun Kupri, claiming the troops were Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) forces. It added that two soldiers were killed and five others wounded in the clashes that erupted when they captured the town.[68]

Subsequent events

[edit]

On 24 October 2017, Peshmerga KDP forces were told that the checkpoint in Makhmur would be handed over as per agreements between the Iraqi government and the Kurdish Regional government. However, upon arrival at the checkpoint, the Peshmerga surrounded the Iraqi troops. Twenty Iraqi soldiers were arrested,[69] two killed, and eight more were wounded by the Peshmerga.[70] The PUK accused the Peshmerga KDP of mistreating those who had been arrested by them,[71] and all Iraqi soldiers were released after the Peshmerga command intervened against a local Peshmerga garrison acting against orders.[72]

On 25 October 2017, Iraqi forces seized the Rabia border crossing with Syria after the withdrawal of Syrian Kurdish forces.[73] On the same day, the KRG made a statement offering to freeze the results of the referendum as part of an offer to defuse the crisis. The statement also called for a ceasefire and a halt to all military operations in the northern region.[74] Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi rejected the proposal, adding that the Iraqi central government "will accept only the canceling of the referendum and following the constitution."[75]

On 26 October 2017 at 06:00 hrs, Iraqi federal police and Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) began a four-pronged assault on Peshmerga positions in Zummar; from Bardiya and Hamad Agha towards Ain Ouais, from Mosharaf towards Sufaya, and from Rabia towards Mahmoudiya.[76] The Kurdistan Security Council claimed that Peshmerga had destroyed three tanks, five US-supplied Humvees and one Badger and repelled the attempts of the Iraqi forces to retake Faysh Khabur.[77] However, Iraqi and PMU forces managed to retake two villages, Jazronia & Mahmoudiya, as they attempted to advance towards the town of Faysh Khabur, near the Iraqi-Syrian-Turkish border triangle.[78][79] Some reports meanwhile indicated that Masoud Barzani might announce that he would step down as president of the KRG.[80]

On 27 October, the Kurdish Regional Government stated that Iraqi forces and Kurdish Peshmerga fighters had agreed to stop fighting in northern Iraq, although the status of any ceasefire remained unclear. A CJTF-OIR spokesman earlier said the deal covered all fronts of conflict. However, he later denied that truce had been officially agreed.[81] The coalition's spokesman, Col. Ryan Dillon, denied that a ceasefire had been reached, retreating from his earlier announcement of a ceasefire between both sides, tweeting, "I incorrectly said in an interview with (Kurdish TV) Rudaw English that there was a cease-fire between Iraqi and Kurdish forces."[82] Iraqi PM al-Abadi later ordered a 24-hour truce to allow a peaceful deployment of Iraqi troops at border crossings with the Kurdistan region.[83]

On 31 October, the Iraqi army took control of the Faysh Khabur border crossing.[84]

On 29 November, after claims of ethnic cleansing and the destruction of Kurdish homes, shops and businesses in Tuz Khurmatu and claims of discrimination and oppression against the Kurdish residents of the city by the PMU,[85] the 'Kurdistan Liberation Army' was formed composing of 200 Kurdish volunteers in Tuz Khurmatu. Clashes occurred, in which 8 PMU fighters were killed, and one Kurdish volunteer wounded.[86] Kurdistan24 posted footage of the fighting[87] and unverified graphic videos showed dead bodies of the Turkmen PMU stationed in Tuz Khurmatu. There had been clashes in Kirkuk between volunteers nearly every day in the previous month between Kurdish volunteers and PMU.

On 6 December a policeman, Major Samer Abdel Nabi Jassam, was killed in a drive-by shooting in Kirkuk, presumably by DRK.[88] A day later, heavy fighting erupted in Kirkuk in which the DRK targeted an Iraqi Counter-Terrorism HQ with heavy weapons, RPGs, grenades and rifle fire; the battle lasting an hour. Afrasiaw Kamil Waisi, Kirkuk police spokesperson stated that there was no casualties,[89] however other Kurdish sources claimed many Iraqi troops were killed and wounded.[90]

On 12 December Iraqi helicopters bombed Dawouda and Zinana areas (Kurdish areas) for the first time since 1991 causing many Kurdish families to be displaced. This led to DRK retaliatory mortar fire against PMU forces inside Tuz Khurmatu causing many casualties amongst the PMU forces.[91]

On 16 December a heavy firefight occurred after Kurdish volunteers inside Kirkuk used at least five RPGs and heavy weapons against two different Turkmen offices. Turkmen sources claim there were no casualties.[92]

A day later, on 18 December, some Kurds in Kirkuk flew the Kurdish flag in schools and universities in Kirkuk and wore Kurdish clothes to celebrate the official Kurdistan Flag Day, leading to PMF forces arresting a number of young people involved.[93]

Kurdish sources have complained of a perceived Arabisation campaign undertaken by the Iraqi government in critical places such as Kirkuk, Tuz Khurmatu and Khanaqin, and warned of a possible demographic change.[94][95] In June 2024, Kurdistan24 claimed that the level of Arabisation in Kirkuk is unprecedented and that the current level of Arabisation surpasses in size the one that was reached by the previous Ba'athist regime, claiming that over 100 000 families had hitherto relocated to Kirkuk from other parts of Iraq. Karwan Kamarkhan, a Kurdish official stated: “after October 16, 2017, the Arabization campaign in Kirkuk has continued, involving the transfer of civil status ID cards and ration cards from other Iraqi provinces to Kirkuk. Residency cards are being issued to these new [Arab] settlers for a very small amount of money, reflecting the severity of the Arabization process.”[96]

Dialogue

[edit]
Further information: Two-state solution (Iraqi–Kurdish negotiations)

Iraqi and Peshmerga commanders held talks in Mosul on 28 October attempting to resolve the crisis over the disputed areas.[97] Amidst the crisis, KRG President Masoud Barzani announced on 29 October that he would not be asking parliament to renew his presidency when it expired on 1 November, transferring his presidential powers to the institutions of the KRG which include the legislature and judiciary.[98] Iraqi state TV meanwhile said that the second round of talks between both sides had started the same day.[99]

On 31 October, Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi announced that Iraq had regained control of all disputed areas. At a press conference, al-Abadi also accused certain KRG-linked media outlets of "openly inciting violence against federal forces".[100] Abadi announced that the government planned to start paying the salaries of Peshmerga and civil servants working for KRG, stating, "We will soon be able to pay all the salaries of the Peshmerga and the employees of the region."[101]

Anadolu News Agency meanwhile reported that Turkish and Iraqi forces had moved towards the Ibrahim Khalil border crossing that morning. The Prime Minister of Turkey Binali Yıldırım told members of his Justice and Development Party in parliament that the border gate had been "handed over to the central government". An Iraqi border police captain showed images of the Iraqi flag flying at the crossing, saying that it was "officially under the full control of the Iraqi government." An Iraqi military statement however confirmed that only a delegation led by the chief-of-staff Othman al-Ghanmi had visited Ibrahim Khalil and Faysh Khabur to determine military and security requirements for taking control.[102] Iraqi troops were however deployed at the border crossing with Iraqi positions set up between Turkish and Iraqi Kurdish checkpoints, according to a security source in Baghdad. KRG officials meanwhile stated they had not relinquished control of the crossing, with Hoshyar Zebari stating that discussions were needed to allow Iraqi oversight at the border.[103]

On 1 November, the Iraqi Joint Operations Command accused the Kurdish military of reneging on the draft agreement for the federal military to redeploy federal forces in disputed areas and border crossing points. It also accused them of moving their forces and building new defensive lines during the negotiation period to deter the redeployment of the federal Iraqi forces.[104] The JOC threatened to resume military operations to capture Kurdish-held territory.[105]

The KRG on 2 November offered a joint deployment at Faysh Khabur, which its defense department stated was part of a "deconfliction" proposal on 31 October, including a ceasefire on all fronts, continued cooperation in fight against ISIL and joint deployment in disputed areas.[106] The KRG on the same day also accused the central Iraqi government of being "not interested" in joint deployment at the border with Turkey.[107]

Prime Minister of Iraqi Kurdistan Nechirvan Barzani stated on 6 November that the KRG would hand over the oil revenue in exchange for the central government agreeing to pay the customary 17% share of the federal budget.[108] The Supreme Federal Court ruled on the same day that no region or province could secede.[109] KRG stated on 14 November that it will accept the court's ruling.[110]

Haider al-Abadi stated on 14 November that he would act soon over border areas under Kurdish control, but predicted Iraqi forces would regain them without violence. "We will regain control on border areas without escalation. But our patience will run out. We will not wait forever. We will take action."[111] The Iraqi Supreme Court ruled the referendum as unconstitutional and its results void on 20 November. Nechirvan Barzani meanwhile blamed the court of reaching the decision unilaterally without any KRG input and asked for a third party to mediate in negotiations between central government and the KRG.[112]

The central government later listed 13 preconditions for dialogue including, a handwritten note of annulment of the referendum, which the federal court ruled illegal and KRG respected the ruling but didn't formally renounce it. It also asked for guarantee of not seeking independence, handing over all border crossings and airports as well as all future federal revenues.[113] KRG agreed to the conditions and Abadi announced that talks will be resumed.[114] An MP of Abadi's ruling bloc stated on 4 January 2018 that a parliamentary committee would be set up to resolve all disputes. Meanwhile, a delegation of Kurdish parties met Abadi according to a statement by his office.[115]

Abadi announced on 13 March that the airports of the region will be reopened to international flights, with flights possibly resuming in a week. The statement added that Kurdish authorities had agreed for the two airports in Erbil and Sulaimaniyah with international flights to come under federal control. Kurdish authorities confirmed that airports will come under federal control and would report to the central Interior Ministry.[116] The federal government announced on 19 March that it had paid salaries to employees in the region for the first time since 2014.[117]

Reactions

[edit]

International

[edit]
  •  Turkey: In a statement on 16 October 2017, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that it supported Iraq's move to "...restore peace and stability in the country, including Kirkuk...", and warned the KRG that it will be held responsible for allowing PKK to penetrate the city. It added that Turkey was closely monitoring Iraq's steps to "restore its constitutional sovereignty over Kirkuk, a homeland for Turkmens for centuries, after the illegitimate referendum conducted by the KRG."[118] Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Bozdağ held KRG President Barzani responsible for regional disputes stating, "Barzani should own up to his mistakes. Only saying ‘I've frozen the referendum’ is not enough [...], the cancellation of the referendum is needed."[119]
  •  United States: President Donald Trump expressed disappointment that the two sides were fighting while stating that the United States was not taking sides.[120] The Pentagon urged Iraqi and Kurdish forces to avoid "additional escalatory actions" after a skirmish over the city of Kirkuk.[121] It described the Iraqi advance into Kirkuk as a "coordinated movement, not attacks".[122] The State Department urged the Iraqi government to avoid clashes by limiting movement of federal troops to those coordinated with the KRG. It also added, "The reassertion of federal authority over disputed areas in no way changes their status – they remain disputed until their status is resolved in accordance with the Iraqi constitution."[123] Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called on both parties to resolve the conflict through dialogue.[124]
  •  Iran: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei supported Iraqi PM Haider al-Abadi amidst Iraq's clashes with the Kurds. Office of the Supreme Leader of Iran issued a statement that Khamenei "gave his support for measures taken by the Iraqi government to defend the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq."[125]
  •  Germany: Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel called on all parties to immediately halt the military actions and engage in direct dialogue. Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen announced that Germany will suspend its mission to train Peshmerga because of the conflict.[126] On 20 October, a spokesman for the defense ministry said that the mission will be resumed if the clashes don't worsen.[127] The training mission was restarted later. The Defense Ministry spokesman said on 23 October that Germany will ensure that weapons supplied by it will only be used against ISIL.[128]
  •  France: Élysée Palace released a statement saying, "The president of the Republic asked for everything possible to be done to avoid conflict between Iraqis and that, within the limits of the unity of Iraq and its constitution, a dialogue taking account of the rights of the Kurds and the minorities should be held between Erbil [the Iraqi Kurdish capital] and Baghdad." President Emmanuel Macron welcomed establishment of a committee to discuss joint deployment of both sides in disputed areas.[129]
  •  Israel: According to Israeli officials, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was lobbying world powers to prevent further setbacks to Iraqi Kurds as they lose ground to Baghdad's army. Israel is the only major power that has endorsed statehood for the Kurdish people.[130]
  •  Canada: The Canadian military suspended its support to Iraqi forces and Peshmerga amid the clashes, in which it was later resumed.[131]

Domestic

[edit]
  • Kurdistan Region Iraqi Kurdistan:
    • Opposition parties have demanded the dissolution of Barzani's administration.[132]
    • According to Nechirvan Barzani, the rival Talabani political family committed "a great and historic treason against Kurdistan".[133]
    • President Barzani on 29 October blamed the central government in Baghdad for the crisis, while addressing the Kurdistan region in the first televised speech since the independence referendum stating, "They (Baghdad) used the referendum as an excuse. Their bad intentions were very clear from a long time ago."[134]
    • Rival Kurdish factions accused each other of betraying Kirkuk to Iraqi forces.[133]
    • KRG Vice President Kosrat Rasul Ali called the Iraqi forces in Kirkuk and other areas "invaders" ; for this, Iraq's Supreme Court Justice Council ordered his arrest.[53]
  •  Iraq:
    • In a statement, the Iraqi government accused Kurdish authorities of bringing fighters from Turkey's outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to the disputed province of Kirkuk, in a move it called a "declaration of war".[135]
    • Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF – OIR): In a statement on 16 October, the coalition announced that Coalition forces and advisors are not supporting Government of Iraq or Kurdistan Regional Government activities near Kirkuk and strongly urged all sides to avoid escalatory actions.[136]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Iranian General Helped Iraqis Seize Kirkuk From U.S. Allies". NBC News. 18 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  2. ^ "Kurdistan Peshmerga:Reports of PKK in Kirkuk untrue". Rudaw. 16 October 2017. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  3. ^ "مليشيات الحشد تتقدم نحو بلدة شمال كركوك تضم مقرات احزاب كوردية ايرانية معارضة – باسنیوز". Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  4. ^ Al-awsat, Asharq. "Middle-east Arab News Opinion". aawsat.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2018. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  5. ^ Coker, Margaret (12 November 2017). "With Iraqi-Kurdish Talks Stalled, Phone Diplomacy Averts New Clashes". New York Times. Archived from the original on 23 March 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  6. ^ "ISOF-2 Commander". Institute for the Study of War.
  7. ^ "Türkmen Komutan Neccar Altınköprü Temizlendi Sıra Dağlarda – Türkmeneli Cephesi". turkmenelicephesi.com (in Turkish). Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  8. ^ "Irak rechaza propuesta que abriría diálogo con Kurdistán y crece la tensión". La Vanguardia. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  9. ^ "Battle of Kirkuk, details and parties involved". AlJazeera.
  10. ^ "Iraqi forces, Shiite militia engage in fighting with Peshmerga south of Kirkuk". Rudaw. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  11. ^ "Kerkük'te Türkmenler güvenliklerini kendileri sağlamaya başladı". Anadolu Ajansı. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  12. ^ Nehal Mostafa (5 November 2017). "Peshmerga says 60 fighters killed in confrontations with Iraqi troops". Iraqi News. Archived from the original on 6 November 2017. Retrieved 9 March 2019.
  13. ^ "Peshmerga commander reveals details about Kirkuk attack". Firat News Agency. 22 October 2017. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  14. ^ "Iraqi Forces Sweep Into Kirkuk, Checking Kurdish Independence Drive". New York Times.
  15. ^ "Peshmerga commander reveals details about Kirkuk attack". Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  16. ^ "KRG: Estimated 400 civilians killed, 200 missing in Kirkuk". Rudaw. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  17. ^ "Crisis Centre: 170,000 displaced after Iraqi, PMF offensive in Kirkuk area". Kurdistan 24. 21 October 2017. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  18. ^ "Kurds offer joint border deployment as Iraq threatens more military operations". Reuters. 2 November 2017. Archived from the original on 30 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  19. ^ "US urges calm as Kirkuk crisis escalates". BBC News. 17 October 2017. Archived from the original on 5 July 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  20. ^ "State Department: Kirkuk Crisis 'Not Over by Any means'". Voice of America. 18 October 2017. Archived from the original on 21 October 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
  21. ^ "Kurdish Peshmerga fighters reject Iraqi warning as deadline passes". Middle East Eye. 16 October 2017.
  22. ^ "Iraqi forces advance towards kirkuk, beginning the clashes". guardian.
  23. ^ "Iraqi court rules vote unconstitutional". Reuters. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  24. ^ "Kirkuk switches into the hands of the Peshmerga". guardian.
  25. ^ "KRG rejects calls to return disputed territories to central government control".
  26. ^ "Involvement of Makhmur and Jalawla in Kurdish independence vote" (PDF). ETH Zurch.
  27. ^ "HRW documentation of violations of human rights against Arabs". humanrightswatch.
  28. ^ "Kurdification of Kirkuk". dergipark.
  29. ^ "Ejection of Arab citizens from Kirkuk". humanrightswatch.
  30. ^ "Iraqi forces capture disputed territories". bbc.
  31. ^ "Iraqi PM calls on Kurdistan to cancel referendum, start dialogue". www.efe.com. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  32. ^ "Air Embargo on Region". Arab News. N/A. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  33. ^ "Iraq demands cacellation of election results". bbc.
  34. ^ "Kurdish Independence Aspirations". institutdekurd.
  35. ^ "PUK-KDP rivalry". onlinelibrary. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  36. ^ "Peshmerga defeat". crisisgroup. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  37. ^ "Haider Al Abadi denies preparations for offensive". reuters. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  38. ^ "Surprise offensive by Iraqi forces". newarab. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  39. ^ "Iraqi advance towards Kirkuk". BBC. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  40. ^ "Kurdish defences collapse in face of advance". aljazeera. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  41. ^ "Iraqi tanks assault Kurdish lines". armytimes. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  42. ^ "Iraqi forces patrol streets of Kirkuk". france24.
  43. ^ "mutual allegations of betrayal among PUK-KDP". blogs.lse.
  44. ^ "Iraqi forces continue advances". BBC.
  45. ^ "Iraqi forces control disputed territories". BBC.
  46. ^ "Iraqii forces overtake oil rich regions". aljazeera. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  47. ^ "Spike in price of oil". CNN. Retrieved 24 June 2023.
  48. ^ "Mutual accusations after the withdrawal". Archived from the original on 21 December 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  49. ^ Morris, Loveday; El-Ghobashy, Tamer; Shwan, Aaso Ameen (17 October 2017). "Iraqi forces move deeper into Kurdish-held areas, redrawing political map". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2017.
  50. ^ "Iraqi forces take control of Kurdish-held areas in Mosul's Nineveh's province". Reuters. 18 October 2017. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  51. ^ "Iraq: 9 killed in clashes near Mosul dam". Anadolu Agency. 23 October 2017. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 18 October 2017.
  52. ^ "About 100,000 Kurds have fled Kirkuk since Monday: Kurdish officials". Reuters. 19 October 2017. Archived from the original on 19 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  53. ^ a b c "'100,000 flee Kirkuk' since Iraqi army takeover". Al Jazeera. 20 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  54. ^ "شرطة كركوك: سنثبت دوريات في المناطق الكردية لمنع النزوح منها بفعل الشائعات". nrttv.com. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
  55. ^ a b Mohamed Mostafa (19 October 2017). "U.N. concerned over alleged assaults on Kurds in Kirkuk". Iraqi News. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  56. ^ a b "UPDATE 1-UN concerned by reports of forced displacement of Kurds in N. Iraq". Reuters. 19 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  57. ^ a b "UN Expresses Concern about Reports of Violence in Tuz Khurmatu, in Kirkuk [EN/AR/KU]". ReliefWeb. 19 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  58. ^ Qader, Histyar. "Dangerous Growth Of Fake News Increases Tensions In Northern Iraq". Niqash. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
  59. ^ "One killed, three wounded in protest in Khanaqin". Rudaw. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  60. ^ "Sensationalized news is fueling tension over areas disputed between Iraqis and Kurds". Washington Post. 19 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  61. ^ "Iraqi forces clash with Kurdish fighters in town north of Kirkuk". CNN. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  62. ^ "Peshmerga deny using MILAN anti-tank system against Iraqi forces". Rudaw. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  63. ^ "German army restarts training Iraqi Kurds, but future of mission in doubt". Deustche-Welle. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  64. ^ "GERMANY RESTARTS TRAINING MISSION FOR PESHMERGA AFTER A WEEK PAUSE". www.nrttv.com. Retrieved 25 October 2017.[permanent dead link]
  65. ^ "Iraqi army, Shiite militia and Peshmerga exchange heavy fire north of Kirkuk". Rudaw. 21 October 2017. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 20 October 2017.
  66. ^ "Iraqi army, Shiite militia and Peshmerga exchange heavy fire north of Kirkuk". Rudaw. Archived from the original on 20 October 2017. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
  67. ^ "Iraq forces in full control of Kirkuk province". Al-Jazeera. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  68. ^ "2 soldiers killed in Iraq's Altun Kupri clashes: military". Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on 21 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  69. ^ Zucchino, David (24 October 2017). "Enmity Between Baghdad and Kurds Erupts in Deadly Clashes". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  70. ^ "Kurdish Peshmerga use Iraqi flags on their position to ambush Iraqi unit, executing 2 of them | Al Sura". Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  71. ^ "PUK Media:- KDP Peshmerga is mistreating the PMU Militants who have been arrested by them in Makhmour". gksat.tv کەناڵی ئاسمانی گەلی کوردستان.
  72. ^ "Paramilitary troops deny attacking Peshmerga near Erbil". 24 October 2017. Archived from the original on 24 October 2017. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  73. ^ "Iraqi army retakes a strategic border crossing with Syria". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  74. ^ "Iraqi Kurdistan offers to freeze referendum results to defuse the crisis with Baghdad". CNBC. Archived from the original on 15 November 2017. Retrieved 15 November 2017.
  75. ^ "Iraq dismisses Kurdish offer to 'freeze' independence vote". ABC News. Archived from the original on 28 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  76. ^ "Peshmerga repel Shia militias assault on four fronts: Kurdistan Security Council". Kurdistan 24. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  77. ^ "Peshmerga respond to, push back Iraqi militia attack near Zummar". Rudaw. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  78. ^ "Iraqi forces clash with Kurdish Peshmerga in disputed areas – Xinhua English.news.cn". Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  79. ^ "القوات الاتحادية تعيد انتشارها في قرية المحمودية شمال غرب الموصل". nrttv.com. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  80. ^ "Iraqi Kurd leader Barzani may step down, a potential blow to his ruling family". Newsweek. 26 October 2017. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  81. ^ "Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga agreed on a ceasefire, U.S.-led coalition says". Reuters. 27 October 2017. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 27 October 2017.
  82. ^ "U.S.-led coalition says no Iraqi-Kurdish cease-fire reached". Xinhua News Agency. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  83. ^ "Iraq orders truce with Kurds to allow peaceful deployment at border crossings". Reuters. 27 October 2017. Archived from the original on 25 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  84. ^ "Iraqi army takes control of Iraqi-Kurdish border crossing with Turkey". Hurriyetdailynews.
  85. ^ "Residents describe Khanaqin as city in mourning". www.rudaw.net. Archived from the original on 29 November 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  86. ^ "Kurdish 'Liberation Army' threatens to attack Hashd in Tuz Khurmatu". www.rudaw.net. Archived from the original on 29 November 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  87. ^ Kurdistan24. "به‌ ڤيديۆ‌.. شه‌ڕه‌كه‌ى ئه‌مڕۆى خورماتوو ببينه‌". Kurdistan24. Archived from the original on 1 December 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  88. ^ "Police officer killed in drive-by shooting in Kirkuk city". 6 December 2017. Archived from the original on 7 December 2017.
  89. ^ "Fighting in Kirkuk, unknown gunmen target Iraqi Counter-Terror post". www.rudaw.net. Archived from the original on 8 December 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  90. ^ English, Basnews. "Iraqi Forces, Shi'ite Militias Under Fierce Attack in Kirkuk – basnews". Archived from the original on 8 December 2017. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  91. ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 15 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  92. ^ "Iraqi Turkmen Front offices attacked in Kirkuk – World Bulletin". Retrieved 3 April 2018.
  93. ^ "Three Kurdish students arrested by PMFs over celebration of Flag Day". 17 December 2017. Archived from the original on 23 December 2017. Retrieved 17 December 2017.
  94. ^ "Officials sound alarm over Arabization: Kurds given 72-hrs to leave". Rudaw.
  95. ^ "Demographic change threatens Khanaqin, officials warn". Rudaw.
  96. ^ "Arabization in Kirkuk reaches critical level amid demographic shifts". Kurdistan24.
  97. ^ "Iraqi Kurdish commanders hold talks on disputed areas". Gulf Times. 29 October 2017. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  98. ^ "Iraqi Kurdistan leader Barzani will hand over presidential powers on November 1". CNBC. 29 October 2017. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  99. ^ "Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga start new round of talks, Iraqi State TV says". Reuters. 29 October 2017. Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  100. ^ "Iraq govt forces in control of all 'disputed' areas: PM". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 3 November 2017. Retrieved 31 October 2017.
  101. ^ "Iraq to pay Kurdish Peshmerga, civil servants, says PM". Reuters. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  102. ^ "Iraq 'to take control of Kurdistan border crossings'". BBC. Archived from the original on 27 April 2018. Retrieved 21 July 2018.
  103. ^ "Iraqi authorities gain the first foothold at Kurdish frontier with Turkey". Reuters. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  104. ^ "1st LD: Iraq accuses Kurdish military of reneging on an agreement to redeploy federal forces". news.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017. Retrieved 1 November 2017.
  105. ^ "Iraq threatens to resume military operations against Kurds". Reuters. Archived from the original on 5 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  106. ^ "Kurds offer joint border deployment as Iraq threatens more military operations". Reuters. Archived from the original on 3 January 2018. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  107. ^ "Iraq 'not interested' in reaching deal, say Kurds". Deustche-Welle. Archived from the original on 2 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  108. ^ "Iraq cabinet plans to cut Kurdistan share in 2018 federal budget". Reuters. Archived from the original on 6 November 2017. Retrieved 6 November 2017.
  109. ^ "Iraq court rules no region can secede after Kurdish independence bid". Reuters. Archived from the original on 6 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  110. ^ "Iraq's Kurdistan to respect court decision banning secession". France24. Archived from the original on 16 November 2017. Retrieved 16 November 2017.
  111. ^ "Abadi says Iraq to act soon over border areas in stand-off with Kurds". Reuters. Archived from the original on 25 December 2017. Retrieved 28 December 2017.
  112. ^ "Iraqi court rules Kurdish independence vote unconstitutional". Reuters. Archived from the original on 25 December 2017. Retrieved 25 December 2017.
  113. ^ "Baghdad lists 13 preconditions for talks with Kurds". The National. Archived from the original on 8 January 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  114. ^ "Kurdish government accepts Baghdad's conditions to end dispute". Arab News. Archived from the original on 30 December 2017. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  115. ^ "Iraq to set up joint parliamentary panel with Kurds". The National. Archived from the original on 9 January 2018. Retrieved 8 January 2018.
  116. ^ "Baghdad ends air blockade on Iraqi Kurdistan". deutsche-Welle. Archived from the original on 31 March 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  117. ^ "Iraq sends money to pay Kurdish salaries for first time since 2014". Reuters. Archived from the original on 30 March 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2018.
  118. ^ "Turkey supports Iraq's moves to restore peace, order in Kirkuk, MFA says". Daily Sabah. 16 October 2017. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
  119. ^ "Turkish deputy PM: Barzani should own up to mistakes". Anadolu Agency. 30 October 2017. Archived from the original on 1 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  120. ^ "U.S. 'not taking sides' in Iraqi-Kurdish dispute – Trump". Reuters. Archived from the original on 30 October 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
  121. ^ "Pentagon urges Kurds, Iraqis to avoid escalating conflict". The Hill. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  122. ^ "US military rushes to defuse looming crisis in Kirkuk after Iraqi army advances". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  123. ^ "U.S. urges Iraq to avoid clashes with Kurds near Kirkuk". Reuters. Archived from the original on 22 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  124. ^ "Tillerson urges Iraq, Kurds to resolve conflict through dialogue". Reuters. Archived from the original on 1 November 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
  125. ^ "Iraq PM wins Iran support as forces battle IS, Kurds". Agence-France Presse. The Nation. Archived from the original on 30 October 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
  126. ^ Alkousaa, Riham (18 October 2017). "Germany suspends training of Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq". Reuters. Archived from the original on 3 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  127. ^ "Germany says hopes to resume training of Kurdish fighters in Northern Iraq". Reuters. 20 October 2017. Archived from the original on 7 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  128. ^ "German army restarts training Iraqi Kurds, but future of mission in doubt". Deutsche-Welle. 23 October 2017. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 23 October 2017.
  129. ^ "Macron urges Iraq's al-Abadi to hold dialogue with Kurds". Radio France Internationale. 29 October 2017. Archived from the original on 5 November 2017. Retrieved 2 November 2017.
  130. ^ "Netanyahu lobbies world powers to stem Iraqi Kurd setbacks". Reuters. 2017. Archived from the original on 25 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  131. ^ "Canada halts military aid to Iraqi and Kurdish forces amid clashes". Global News. Archived from the original on 28 October 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
  132. ^ "ثلاثة أحزاب كردية تطالب بحل رئاسة كردستان وتشكيل حكومة مؤقتة". aawsat.com (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 31 October 2017. Retrieved 25 October 2017.
  133. ^ a b "After all but defeating the jihadists, Iraq's army turns on the Kurds". The Economist. 21 October 2017. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  134. ^ "Clashes around parliament as Iraqi Kurdish leader steps down". Washington Post. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2017.
  135. ^ "Iraq accuses Kurds of 'declaration of war' in Kirkuk". aljazeera.com. Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 2 January 2018.
  136. ^ "Coalition Statement on Military Movements Near Kirkuk". 16 October 2017. Archived from the original on 16 October 2017. Retrieved 16 October 2017.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=2017_Iraqi–Kurdish_conflict&oldid=1249498367"