Iraq/Kurdistan: Iraqi Forces Launch Operation for Kurdish-Held Oil Fields, Military Base

Oct 15, 2017 | Washington Post
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Clashes broke out early Monday as Iraqi forces moved to recapture Kurdish-held oil fields and a military base near the northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk, after demanding that they return to the positions they occupied before collapsing in the face of an Islamic State advance three years ago. Iraqi forces said they were under instructions to avoid violence, but Kirkuk residents said that gunfire and explosions could be heard in the city in the early morning. Kurdish media reported that Kurdish volunteer fighters rushed to take up arms, and Iraqi military vehicles had been set ablaze as both sides exchanged artillery fire.