BAGHDAD,— Iraq has asked Turkey to extend the Kirkuk-Ceyhan oil pipeline agreement by at least one year to allow more time for negotiations on a new deal, according to Ali Nizar, head of Iraq’s state oil marketing company SOMO, as stated on the firm’s official website.

Nizar said the Iraqi government submitted the request to Ankara to keep the key export route operating while both sides work on a replacement agreement.

The existing Turkey-Iraq Crude Oil Pipeline Agreement, which controls exports through the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline, is set to expire July 27.

Baghdad and Ankara are still working on a new draft deal.

Nizar added that Iraq has shipped 12 million barrels of crude oil from its southern ports since the beginning of June.

(With files from Reuters)

Copyright © 2026 iKurd.net. All rights reserved.

The post Iraq asks Turkey to extend Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline deal by one year appeared first on iKurd News.

KIRKUK,— Mohammed Samaan Agha, leader of the Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF), was elected governor of Kirkuk on Thursday night after months of political negotiations to form the local government.

The vote took place during a provincial council session that had been postponed several times before a decision was reached.

In his first remarks as governor, Agha told Rudaw TV that governance in Kirkuk would be inclusive.

He said that decisions in Kirkuk would not be taken without consulting deputies and aides, adding that the administration would not serve a single ethnic group or political party.

Speaking to media in Arabic, Kurdish, and Turkmen, Agha underscored unity among officials in Kirkuk.

He said that he, Rebwar Taha, Ibrahim Temim, and the entire Kirkuk administration are all Kirkukis, adding that there is no difference between them and that they would jointly serve the province.

The election required managing the divided sixteen seat Kirkuk Provincial Council where nine votes are needed for decisions.

The council includes six Arab seats, five from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan PUK, two from the Kurdistan Democratic Party KDP, and two Turkmen seats, plus one Christian quota seat aligned with PUK.

Agha was elected after Rebwar Taha of the PUK stepped down as governor.

Taha was appointed in August 2024 during a special session at Baghdad’s al Rasheed Tulip Hotel in the Green Zone, marking the return of a Kurdish governor since 2017. Agha becomes the first Turkmen governor since 1924.

Earlier on Thursday, deputy governor Yavuz Hamid resigned saying he sought greater Turkmen representation.

He said I resign from my position in hope that a Turkmen governor will be appointed. He urged the Turkmen Front to preserve positions in government and focus on reconstruction in Turkmen areas.

The process faced opposition from the Kurdistan Democratic Party led by Massoud Barzani who rejected the agreements behind the vote calling them suspicious al Rasheed Hotel deals.

He said the province should reflect coexistence and that the KDP has defended community rights.

KDP official Rebar Ahmed said the party would boycott the process. Any agreement outside legitimacy and voter will is unacceptable he said.

He added the party would not attend meetings based on such arrangements and called for constitutional solutions including Article 140.

The developments follow months of negotiations over formation of the provincial government in Kirkuk where political groups remained divided over administrative roles and power sharing arrangements.

The council session had been postponed multiple times before the vote was completed reflecting continuing disagreements among members of the provincial council.

(With files from Rudaw)

Copyright © 2026 iKurd.net. All rights reserved.

The post Turkmen front leader Agha elected Kirkuk governor in Iraq appeared first on iKurd News.

KIRKUK, Iraq,— The number of Kurdish militants fighting alongside Islamic State group (ISIS/IS) in Iraq is rising, with security officials identifying Kurdish fighters in key insurgent strongholds, military sources said.

A senior military official told Voice of America VOA-Kurdish that at least 56 ISIS fighters have been identified in areas spanning Kirkuk and Salahuddin provinces, with 11 believed to be Kurdish. The militants are operating in small, mobile units to avoid detection, the source said.

According to Wahab Ahmad, the administrator of Zanane subdistrict in Khurmatu, Kurdish ISIS fighters include both Iranian nationals and Kurds from Iraq’s Kurdistan Region.

ISIS maintains footholds in remote areas, including Wadi Shay in Kirkuk, Zarga in Khurmatu, and Gharao-Palkan. The group has adjusted its tactics to evade airstrikes, relying on motorcycles for movement and dispersing into smaller groups.

A Kurdish security source in Salahuddin confirmed a growing Kurdish presence in ISIS, saying, “We have seen more Kurdish fighters among ISIS ranks in Kirkuk. Some are Iranian Kurds.”

One of the identified militants is Abu Jabani, an Iranian Kurdish bomb-maker responsible for modifying weapons for ISIS, the source said.

Gharao-Palkan, located in Khurmatu district, serves as a crucial ISIS hub, linking Kirkuk, Diyala, and Salahuddin provinces. The area is used for regrouping fighters and coordinating attacks.

On February 19, 2025, Kurdish shepherds in Gharao-Palkan clashed with ISIS fighters attempting to kidnap them, resulting in an exchange of gunfire, according to security sources.

Iraqi and Kurdish forces have ramped up counterterrorism operations in the region, targeting militant hideouts. Wahab Ahmad said the focus is on restricting ISIS movements, though direct engagements with the militants have been limited.

Iraqi airstrikes continue to hit ISIS positions in the area, disrupting their ability to regroup and launch attacks, officials said.

The Islamic State (ISIS) emerged from al-Qaeda in Iraq, a militant group founded by Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in the early 2000s. After Zarqawi’s death in 2006, the group rebranded as the Islamic State of Iraq (ISI) and later expanded into Syria during the country’s civil war, rebranding again as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in 2013.

Under the leadership of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, ISIS seized large territories in Iraq and Syria, declaring a so-called “caliphate” in 2014. The group became infamous for brutal tactics, mass killings, and terrorist attacks worldwide.

A U.S.-led coalition, along with Iraqi and Syrian Kurdish forces, eventually dismantled ISIS’s territorial control, though remnants of the group continue insurgent activities.

(With files from VOA)

Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved

The post Kurdish presence in Islamic State IS ranks grows: Iraqi military sources appeared first on iKurd News.

BAGHDAD,— Iraq has signed an agreement with British oil giant BP to redevelop four major oil and gas fields in Kirkuk, BP announced Tuesday.

The deal marks a significant step for Iraq, a country where oil production has long been hindered by conflict, corruption, and political instability.

The agreement, which still requires final approval from the Iraqi government, will see BP collaborate with North Oil Co. (NOC), North Gas Co. (NGC), and a newly appointed operator to stabilize and expand production.

BP is expected to invest up to $25 billion over the project’s lifespan, an Iraqi oil official told Reuters earlier this month.

As part of the deal, BP will oversee a drilling program, rehabilitate existing wells and facilities, and develop new infrastructure, including gas expansion projects.

The company’s earnings will be tied to increases in production, market prices, and operational costs, and it will be entitled to book a portion of the reserves and output proportional to its fees.

Production capacity at the four Kirkuk oilfields is set to increase by 150,000 barrels per day (bpd), pushing total capacity to at least 450,000 bpd within two to three years, according to a senior Iraqi oil official.

The Iraqi prime minister’s office stated that Tuesday’s signing came after both parties resolved “technical issues and contractual terms, including the economic model of the project.”

In January, Kurdistan region’s caretaker Prime Minister, Masrour Barzani, voiced criticism of the deal between Baghdad and BP.

“The area covered by the deal with BP is a disputed territory between the Kurdistan Region and Iraq’s federal government. Under the Iraqi constitution, neither Baghdad nor Erbil can make unilateral decisions regarding such areas,” he stated.

BP has a long history in Iraq’s oil sector, having been part of the consortium that discovered crude in Kirkuk in the 1920s. The company estimates that the Kirkuk field contains around 9 billion barrels of recoverable oil.

BP also holds a 50% stake in a joint venture operating the Rumaila oilfield in southern Iraq, one of the country’s largest producing fields.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)

Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved

The post Iraq, British BP signed deal to develop four Kirkuk oil and gas fields appeared first on iKurd News.

KIRKUK, northern Iraq,— The Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) (Irak Türkmen Cephesi ITC) has criticized the removal of Turkmens from key positions in Kirkuk’s local administration.

In a statement issued Thursday, Kahtan Vendavi, the head of the ITF’s Kirkuk Provincial Branch, condemned the treatment of Turkmens, stating that the distribution of administrative duties in the city has been unfair.

He explained that Turkmen officials who had served for years as deputy police chief and director of the Kirkuk Agriculture Directorate were dismissed due to political agreements in the city.

According to Vendavi, these positions were filled by individuals from other ethnic groups, rather than by Turkmens, and he strongly condemned the changes.

He emphasized that Kirkuk has faced a difficult political environment and called for the recognition of equal rights for all ethnic communities in the region when appointing individuals to local posts.

Vendavi called on Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to intervene and end the alleged injustice, which he claimed has seen Turkmens removed from influential positions in Kirkuk.

He stated that the local administration in Kirkuk would only succeed if it included all ethnic groups in a shared governance approach.

The ITF leader further assured that his group would not remain silent on the issue and would pursue all legal avenues to address the matter.

Kirkuk, an oil-rich province in northern Iraq, lies within the “disputed areas,” a stretch of land claimed by both the Kurdistan Regional Government and Iraq’s central authorities. Its diverse population includes Kurds, Arabs, Christians, and Turkmens, making it a frequent focal point for ethnic and political tensions.

Earlier in February, tensions flared in Kirkuk when the Kurdish flag, used by Iraqi Kurds, was displayed inside the Kirkuk Governorate building during a visit by Qubad Talabani, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

The move sparked frustration among the Arab and Turkmen communities in Kirkuk, who viewed it as a provocative act in the multi-ethnic region. Meanwhile, Kurdish officials dismissed the concerns, stating that there was no issue with the flag’s presence during the visit.

The Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) is a political group that represents the Turkmen people in Iraq. It was formed on April 5, 1995, as a coalition of several Turkmen parties, aiming to ensure the community has a stronger voice in Iraq’s political life. The ITF seeks greater recognition, rights, and political involvement for the Turkmen population.

Since the fall of Saddam Hussein, the ITF has been actively involved in disputes over control of Kirkuk and other areas in northern Iraq, arguing that Kirkuk is a city belonging to the Turkmen people.

The ITF movement is also backed by Turkey.

Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved

The post Iraqi Turkmen Front slams removal of Turkmen officials from key Kirkuk posts appeared first on iKurd News.

KIRKUK, Iraq,— The display of the Kurdish flag used by Iraqi Kurds inside the Kirkuk Governorate building during a visit by Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), has triggered discontent among Arab and Turkmen communities, while Kurdish officials maintain there was no issue, according to Voice of America (VOA).

Talabani arrived in Kirkuk on Thursday, February 6, 2025, where he was received by Governor Rêbwar Taha at the governorate building.

During a press conference alongside Taha and the head of the Kirkuk Provincial Council, Talabani emphasized cooperation, saying, “I am pleased to see unity and coordination within the Kirkuk local government and between the local government and the provincial council in serving the people of Kirkuk.”

Both the Iraqi and Kurdish flags were displayed during the meeting.

Mohammed Hashim, a Turkmen political figure in Kirkuk, told VOA-Kurdish that the presence of the Kurdish flag caused concern among Turkmen residents. “As Turkmens, we believe Kirkuk belongs to the central government and should be administered by all communities.

Until now, Turkmens have not raised their own flag in the governorate building because we believe in Iraq’s unity under the Iraqi flag,” he said.

The Arab and Turkmen fronts both issued statements criticizing the flag’s presence. The Turkmen front stated that “raising the Kurdish flag in the Kirkuk Governorate building violates decisions made by the Iraqi Parliament and judicial authorities.”

Ismail Hadidi, an Arab Sunni leader in Kirkuk, voiced similar concerns. “The issue is that the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region visited Kirkuk not as an Iraqi official, but as if he were coming from a separate entity. The Iraqi flag represents all communities, including Kurds, so there was no need for another flag,” Hadidi told VOA.

The debate over flag-raising in Kirkuk is part of broader political tensions. In 2017, then-Governor Najmaddin Karim ordered the Kurdish flag to be raised over government buildings, a move that faced strong opposition from Arab and Turkmen communities, leading to legal complaints in Baghdad.

Following the October 16, 2017, military operation in which Iraqi forces regained control of disputed territories, the Kurdish flag was formally banned from government buildings in Kirkuk.

Currently, Kurdish political parties continue to display the Kurdish flag over their offices, and some residents raise it on special occasions, but no government institution in Kirkuk has officially reinstated it.

Parwin Fatih, a member of the Kirkuk Provincial Council from the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) bloc, dismissed Arab and Turkmen objections, stating that raising the Kurdish flag during Talabani’s visit was procedural.

“Every time a Kurdish official visits Kirkuk, there are objections. The placement of the Kurdish flag is a protocol matter and a normal procedure,” she said.

The Kurds have a deep cultural and emotional connection to Kirkuk, referring to it as “the Kurdish Jerusalem.” They aim to include Kirkuk in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region, arguing that it has historically been a Kurdish city. However, Iraq’s central government rejects this idea. The city is home to a diverse population, including Kurds, Arabs, Christians, and Turkmen.

Analysts suggest that the conflict over Kirkuk is mainly driven by its oil resources, rather than ethnic identity. They argue that the city is a mix of various groups, and all nationalities must learn to coexist.

After the controversial 2017 independence referendum led by Kurdish leader Massoud Barzani, the Kurds handed Kirkuk back to the Iraqi government, which many consider the biggest mistakes made by the Iraqi Kurdish leadership in the past century, according to experts.

Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved

The post Kurdish flag raising in Kirkuk governorate sparks tensions, says Turkmen official appeared first on iKurd News.

DAVOS,— Negotiations between Baghdad and British energy giant BP over a major deal to redevelop Kirkuk’s oil and gas fields must involve Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, Kurdish caretaker Prime Minister Masrour Barzani told Reuters.

Barzani’s comments underscore a potential flashpoint in the long-standing dispute between Iraq’s federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) over control of the country’s oil and gas resources.

Kirkuk, a region rich in hydrocarbons, has long been at the center of tensions between Baghdad and Erbil, the capital of the Kurdish region. Kurdish forces briefly controlled Kirkuk from 2014 until 2017, when federal troops retook the area following a failed Kurdish independence referendum.

“The area that Baghdad is discussing with BP is disputed territory,” Barzani said during an interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “According to the constitution, decisions regarding disputed territories cannot be made unilaterally by either Baghdad or Erbil.”

Barzani emphasized that the KRG is not opposed to redevelopment efforts in principle but criticized the lack of coordination. “We need a trilateral mechanism for discussions,” he said, calling for meetings between the federal government, the KRG, and BP to resolve the matter.

According to a source familiar with the negotiations, Kurdish officials may seek separate discussions with BP in a bid to influence the outcome. The KRG reportedly plans to leverage its ties with the U.S. government to pressure both Baghdad and BP to include the Kurdish region in the talks.

Iraq and BP are expected to finalize a multi-billion-dollar agreement covering four Kirkuk oil and gas fields by early February. However, Barzani expressed skepticism about the deal’s legality, describing it as “unconstitutional” but admitting that the KRG lacks the leverage to halt the agreement.

BP and Iraq’s Oil Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Last week, Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel-Ghani told Reuters that the deal with BP would surpass the scope of a 2023 agreement with TotalEnergies in Basra, which was valued at approximately $27 billion.

BP has a long history in Iraq, having been part of the consortium that discovered oil in Kirkuk in the 1920s. The company estimates the region holds around 9 billion barrels of recoverable oil. BP also operates the Rumaila oilfield in southern Iraq, where it holds a 50% stake in a joint venture.

The BP deal adds another layer of complexity to strained relations between Baghdad and the Kurdish region, which have already been marred by a dispute that halted oil exports from the KRG in 2023.

In March 2023, Turkey suspended oil flows through the KRG’s pipeline after the International Chamber of Commerce ordered Ankara to pay Baghdad $1.5 billion in damages for unauthorized Kurdish oil exports between 2014 and 2018.

Negotiations to resume pipeline operations have stalled amid conflicting demands from the federal government, the KRG, and foreign oil companies. Barzani stated that the Kurdish region has suffered economic losses exceeding $20 billion due to the suspension and criticized Baghdad for failing to compensate the KRG.

“Iraq has yet to compensate Kurdistan for these losses, and no resolution has been put forward to address the issue,” Barzani stated.

Barzani also criticized a recent move by Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, who inserted an article into a draft bill under parliamentary consideration. According to Barzani, the last-minute addition rendered the bill “totally unacceptable” to Kurdish officials.

Barzani accused Baghdad of scapegoating the Kurdish region over Iraq’s overproduction of oil beyond its quota under agreements with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

“With Kurdistan producing merely 280,000 barrels per day (bpd), it’s difficult to understand how the region could be accused of overproduction.” he said. “These are unfortunate moves by Baghdad to mislead public opinion and the international community.”

The dispute over Kirkuk’s oil fields comes against the backdrop of longstanding allegations of corruption within the KRG. Critics, including Kurdish politicians and watchdog organizations, accuse the region’s ruling Barzani family of mismanaging oil revenues and using the proceeds to enrich themselves rather than benefiting the Kurdish population.

Observers have described Iraqi Kurdistan as one of the most corrupt regions in Iraq, citing leaked documents and reports from watchdog groups that suggest billions of dollars in oil revenues are unaccounted for. The Barzani family, often referred to as “Kurdish oligarchs,” has faced repeated accusations of nepotism and financial misconduct.

Massoud Barzani, the former president of the KRG and patriarch of the Barzani clan, is widely regarded as the most powerful figure in Kurdish politics, even in his unofficial capacity. His son Masrour Barzani serves as the region’s prime minister, while his nephew Nechirvan Barzani holds the presidency.

Critics have also called out the lack of transparency in the KRG’s oil sector. Many politicians and ordinary citizens believe that oil contracts and revenues are shrouded in secrecy, with limited oversight from the Kurdish parliament or public scrutiny.

(With files from Reuters | Agencies)

Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved

The post Iraq’s Kirkuk oil deal with BP must include Kurdistan, says Masrour Barzani appeared first on iKurd News.

BAGHDAD,— Iraq’s parliament passed a landmark bill on Tuesday to return land confiscated under the Baath regime to its original owners.

The law addresses a long-standing grievance stemming from land seizures carried out decades ago under Saddam Hussein’s government, where Kurdish and Turkmen properties were taken and given to Arab settlers.

The newly passed bill aims to reverse those actions and restore the lands to their rightful owners, a move hailed by Kurdish lawmakers as a step toward justice and reconciliation.

The bill comes after years of efforts by Kurdish and Turkmen leaders to reclaim lands taken during the Baathist era, especially in regions like Kirkuk, which has been a flashpoint of political and ethnic tensions.

Under the Baath regime in the 1970s, Kurdish and Turkmen families were displaced, and their properties were given to Arab settlers as part of a broader Arabization policy.

After the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, Iraq’s new constitution, through Article 140, laid out plans to reverse these demographic changes, but progress was slow. The approval of this bill marks a significant step in fulfilling that promise.

Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament, Shakhawan Abdullah Ahmad, spoke to the importance of the legislation during a press conference on January 21, 2025.

Surrounded by fellow Kurdish lawmakers, Abdullah said, “The Iraqi parliament took a big step to dissolve the decisions that were made to occupy Kurdish and Turkmen lands 20 years after being saved from the previous regime and after 50 years of occupation.”

He attributed the successful passage of the bill to the “unified stance” of the Kurdish blocs and their “vigilance and continuous efforts.”

In addition to the land restitution law, the Iraqi legislature also approved amendments to the controversial personal status law pushed by Shiite political blocs. The changes to this law have sparked heated debate across the country, with critics concerned about its impact on women’s rights.

Meanwhile, the parliament also passed a general amnesty bill, which includes changes to the definition of affiliation with terrorist groups. Sunni political factions had pushed for these changes, aiming to address concerns about the prosecution of those accused of terrorism.

Iraq’s parliamentary speaker, Al-Mashhadani, also praised the approval of the general amnesty law, describing it as a crucial step toward national reconciliation. He stated, “With pride and honor, and on behalf of the people we represent, I announce to you today the approval of the amendment to the General Amnesty Law, a step that reflects our continued commitment to national reconciliation.”

The passage of these three bills comes after months of delays and disagreements between Kurdish, Shiite, and Sunni lawmakers. While the land restitution law was a top priority for Kurdish leaders, the changes to the personal status and general amnesty laws were hotly debated due to their potential political and social implications.

Copyright © 2025 iKurd.net. All rights reserved

The post Iraq passes bill to return land confiscated under Baathist rule to its owners appeared first on iKurd News.

BAGHDAD,— For the first time in almost four decades, Iraq is undertaking a comprehensive nationwide census, a pivotal step for a country grappling with ethnic and sectarian divides.

Scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, the census is expected to provide critical demographic data for Iraq’s estimated population of 44 million, marking a milestone in the nation’s efforts to rebuild and plan for the future.

The last comprehensive census took place in 1987 under the rule of Saddam Hussein. Since then, successive attempts have been derailed by war, political instability, and conflicts between various factions.

The data collected will cover all 18 governorates for the first time in decades, offering a clearer picture of Iraq’s diverse population.

Hamzeh Hadad, a visiting fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations, highlighted the potential political implications of the census.

Iraq’s constitution mandates one parliamentary seat for every 100,000 citizens, meaning the updated population figures will likely lead to changes in parliamentary representation.

The last significant attempt at a census in 1997 excluded the three provinces of the Kurdistan region, intensifying long-standing tensions between Baghdad and the Kurdish autonomous authorities.

Those tensions have resurfaced ahead of the current count, particularly over disputed northern territories.

The upcoming census will measure religion but avoids differentiating between sects such as Sunni and Shiite Muslims.

Ethnic classifications have also been excluded, a deliberate decision to minimize contention and ensure the count proceeds without further delays.

“The census contains notable omissions, designed to satisfy all parties and ensure its progress.” said Hadad.

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani emphasized the critical role of the census in driving Iraq’s development.

“This is a very significant milestone for planning and progress in all sectors, especially in infrastructure, which desperately needs major upgrading,” he said. Decades of conflict and sanctions have left much of Iraq with inadequate electricity, poor healthcare, and crumbling roads.

The data will provide insights into standards of living, health, education, and employment. A detailed questionnaire will collect information ranging from household size and income to the number of cars and household appliances.

The government has partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to ensure the census generates reliable data. UNFPA officials noted that the results will support effective policymaking and foster inclusive growth.

The census involves 120,000 researchers who will collect information directly from households over the two days. To facilitate the process, a nationwide curfew will be imposed, requiring families to stay home during the survey period.

Years of conflict and displacement have significantly altered Iraq’s demographics. Hundreds of thousands of Christians have fled the country, and tens of thousands of Yazidis were displaced from Sinjar following atrocities committed by the Islamic State group.

The census has reignited disputes over territories in northern Iraq, including Kirkuk and Nineveh, where Kurdish, Arab, and Turkoman communities have competing claims. These areas, subject to Saddam Hussein’s forced Arabization policies, saw a reversal of that trend after 2003 as Kurds sought to reclaim disputed lands.

Kurdistan regional official Fahmi Burhane expressed concerns about what he described as an ongoing demographic shift in Kirkuk.

“Arab neighborhoods have been developed in recent years that do not reflect normal population growth,” he said.

Addressing these concerns, Baghdad has agreed to restrict the registration of residents in the disputed areas to descendants of families registered in the 1957 census.

Migrants who arrived later will be counted in their provinces of origin, a measure aimed at preserving the demographic balance.

Despite lingering tensions, the census is widely seen as a critical step toward addressing Iraq’s developmental challenges.

According to Abdel-Zahra al-Hindawi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Planning, the data will illuminate the country’s most pressing issues, including those in health, education, and housing. “This census will reveal Iraq’s reality in its smallest details,” he said.

While challenges remain, the count represents a significant effort to rebuild a fractured nation and lay the foundation for a more equitable future.

Copyright © 2024 iKurd.net. All rights reserved

The post Iraq holds its first nationwide census since 1987 appeared first on iKurd News.

KIRKUK, northern Iraq,— A Turkish drone was shot down by the Iraqi military on Thursday over Kirkuk, a northern city with a diverse population, as Turkey continued its military operations against Kurdish militants in Iraq.

Authorities reported that debris from the downed drone caused damage to a house in the city center.

According to police and army officials who spoke to AFP on the condition of anonymity, there were no immediate casualties. However, a carpenter working nearby was hospitalized after a fall, believed to be linked to the incident.

General Abdel Salam Ramadan, the deputy air defense commander for Kirkuk, confirmed in a press briefing that the drone was shot down after entering Iraqi airspace. He noted that the drone had approached from the direction of Sulaimani, the second-largest city in Iraq’s Kurdistan semi-autonomous region.

Kirkuk, along with its oil-rich surroundings, is a key area directly controlled by Iraq’s federal government, unlike the semi-autonomous Kurdish region to the north.

Turkey has long maintained a military presence in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, with several bases established over the past 25 years as part of its ongoing campaign against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).

Turkish forces frequently conduct operations targeting PKK militants, though Ankara seldom comments on these actions publicly.

In March 2024, the Iraqi federal government officially designated the PKK as a banned organization, reflecting a shift in its stance.

Earlier this month, Baghdad and Ankara signed a military cooperation agreement aimed at intensifying joint efforts against the PKK. This agreement includes provisions for joint training and the establishment of command centers.

On August 23, 2024, a Turkish drone strike in Iraqi Kurdistan region killed two Kurdish female journalists.

Political expert Henase Karim told iKurd News the “The skies over Iraqi Kurdistan have effectively become a free zone for Turkish military operations. Turkish warplanes and drones operate without significant interference, given the lack of objection from their allies in the region, particularly the Barzani ruling clan. This has allowed Turkish forces to target anybody in the region”

The PKK, a leftist Kurdish group, has been engaged in an armed struggle against the Turkish state since 1984, seeking greater autonomy for Kurds in Turkish Kurdistan. Kurds make up at least 23 million of the country’s 84-million population.

The conflict has been a costly one, with over 40,000 Turkish soldiers and Kurdish fighters killed. The group typically targets military and government installations while strictly avoiding civilian casualties.

The PKK retains significant support among Kurds in Turkey and abroad.

Copyright © 2024 iKurd.net. All rights reserved

The post Iraq army shoots down Turkish drone over Kirkuk city appeared first on iKurd News.