Authorities in Iraq’s disputed Kirkuk demolish dozens of Kurdish-owned stores

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Municipal authorities in Iraq’s disputed Kirkuk have demolished dozens of stores and workshops rented by Kurdish residents of the city.

Local authorities promised small business-owners shops at a new industrial district, which they complained was too far away from their place of residence.

The demolition order came from the mayor of Kirkuk, targeting the local market in Shorja Neighborhood, located to the northeast of the disputed city.

After warnings from the authorities, bulldozers recently arrived at the scene to implement the order, informed sources told Kurdistan 24 correspondent in Kirkuk Soran Kamaran. The new industrial district, comprised mostly of car repair shops, is located outside the city near its eastern suburbs.

Shop-owners expressed their rejection of move and complained that they would have pay “excessive” rents at the new district and that the area is too far from their places of residence.

Municipal authorities have not announced what would happen to the old market.

"What happened today was brutal, they proceeded to demolish without warning and did not listen to the shop owners," worker Haji Karim told Kurdistan 24.

"How long will this city remain in this situation, all these shops have title deeds," he complained.

Workers at the Hassir market reportedly have been warned they would have to prepare to move to the industrial district.