Kirkuk rejects creation of a special force allegedly backed by Turkey

KIRKUK, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The Kirkuk Security Commission on Monday refused to allow the establishment of a Turkmen force in the province, allegedly supported by Turkey, stating the people of Kirkuk are "already protected" by local forces.

Reports recently published revealed the alleged existence of Turkish efforts in forming a Turkmen force in the province of Kirkuk to "protect the ethnic group."

“The Security Commission, Kirkuk administration and the citizens of Kirkuk all reject the establishment of units backed by any neighboring or foreign countries,” read the statement.

It also assured that the people of Kirkuk are "already under the protection" of the Peshmerga, and local police and security forces.

“They are working day and night. They have made many sacrifices in the line of duty.”

The Commission added that the formation of the special division contravenes the Constitution of Iraq.

“It is a threat to the security of Iraq in general, and Kirkuk city in particular. It is an opportunity for some to raise tensions and incite riots among the ethnic and religious groups who currently live in social harmony.”

Kirkuk is a diverse province made up of Arabs, Turkmen, and Christians inhabitants alongside the Kurdish majority.

The Kirkuk Security Commission stated the "door is always open" to any citizens, from any ethnic and religious background, wishing to serve the province and join the Kirkuk police, security, and Peshmerga forces and protect the area, especially in the fight against the Islamic State (IS).

In June 2014, the Iraqi army fled Kirkuk after it failed to protect it from IS. Since then, the Kurdish Peshmerga forces have been in charge of protecting the area from the threat of the jihadist group.

The province is one of the disputed territories between Baghdad and Erbil and is currently under the administration of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Editing by G.H. Renaud