US Embassy warns situation in Kirkuk could ‘quickly change’

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – The United States' Embassy in Baghdad on Thursday advised its citizens in Iraq to take caution in areas controlled by Iraqi forces, especially in Kirkuk, warning the situation in those areas “could quickly change.”

On Monday, both Iraqi forces and the Shia Hashd al-Shaabi militia led an incursion into the multi-ethnic city of Kirkuk, which had been under the protection of Peshmerga since mid-2014 after the Iraqi army collapsed and failed to defend the area from the Islamic State (IS).

Since then, tens of thousands of Kurdish families have been fleeing the area in fear of reprisals from the Iraqi security forces. 

“US Mission Iraq advises its citizens that the Iraqi security forces have secured areas in and around Kirkuk City,” the statement read. “The security situation is currently stable but could quickly change.”

“US citizens are advised to remain vigilant about their security situation and are reminded to shelter in place if they are unwilling or unable to depart,” the report warned.

“US citizens should maintain a heightened sense of security awareness and take appropriate measures to enhance their personal security at all times when living and working in Iraq,” the statement concluded.

Tensions have increased between Erbil and Baghdad following the Kurdistan Region’s Sep. 25 independence referendum, which saw nearly 93 percent voting for secession from Iraq.

In the aftermath of the vote, the Iraqi government has imposed a set of punitive measures and sanctions on the Kurdistan Region for holding the plebiscite, as well as military threats.

The international coalition and community have called for the de-escalation of tensions and urged all parties to resolve their differences through dialogue, not military action, which has distracted from efforts against IS and destabilized the security situation in northern Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. 

Editing by G.H. Renaud