KDP condemns attack on Kirkuk headquarters, demands justice

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - "This morning, in a cowardly attempt, shots were fired at the headquarters of the third branch of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) in Kirkuk, which was obviously aimed at capturing a guard post of the headquarters," the KDP statement read.

On Saturday, the Kirkuk-Garmyan Provincial Organization Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) stated, "This morning, at 1:50 am, snipers and shooters opened fire on our headquarters."

"The shooters aimed to capture a guard post of the headquarters, where they first opened fire and then planned to enter the branch and commit terrorist acts," the statement said.

Text of the statement from the Kirkuk-Garmyan Provincial Organization Bureau of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP):

This morning, in a cowardly attempt, shots were fired at the headquarters of the third branch of our party in Kirkuk, apparently aimed at capturing a guard post of the headquarters.

At 1:50 am this morning, snipers and shooters opened fire on our headquarters from two different places, and the guards of the branch headquarters responded.

The shooters aimed to capture a guard post of the headquarters, where they first opened fire and then planned to enter the branch and commit terrorist acts. There were no casualties, but this is a concerning development and the matter should be thoroughly investigated.

Therefore, we strongly condemn this sterile and cowardly attack. Regardless of the perpetrators' identities, they must be arrested immediately and brought to justice.

We assure the beloved, proud, and resilient people of Kirkuk that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) will continue its long-standing position and policy for the future of Kirkuk, which is peace, unity, and stability. This attack will not deter us from serving Kirkuk and its struggling people.

We thank the guards of the branch headquarters for responding to this failed attempt with the utmost vigilance and courage. Thank God our comrades are safe, and there were no casualties.

Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP)
Kirkuk-Garmyan Provincial Organization Bureau

The investigation into the armed attack on the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party's (KDP) third branch in Kirkuk remains ongoing, with the identities of the attackers still unknown.

Read More: Investigation continues into armed attack on Kurdistan Democratic Party HQ in Kirkuk

Mohammed Kamal, the branch official, disclosed that he had prior knowledge of an imminent armed attack on the Kirkuk branch, describing the incident as a "terrorist act."

Read More: KDP HQ in Kirkuk targeted in coordinated armed attack: MAJ. Dilshad Ali

What Happened?

The headquarters of the third branch of the KDP in Kirkuk Governorate was targeted by gunfire early on Saturday morning, with no casualties reported.

The branch official, Mohammad Kamal, said that around 3:00 a.m., gunmen with sniper weapons attacked the party headquarters from two different directions before security personnel engaged them.

Read More: KDP’s Political Branch III in Kirkuk, went under attack by snipers

In a call with Kurdistan 24, Kamal confirmed that the attackers aimed to target the guard post and then infiltrate the headquarters to commit terrorist acts. He stressed that the attack did not result in any injuries but highlighted that such incidents are "a bad development and require a comprehensive investigation as soon as possible."

The KDP headquarters in Kirkuk has faced previous threats, but this recent coordinated attack underscores the ongoing security challenges in the region. The party's officials have called for increased vigilance and security measures to prevent future attacks and protect the party's assets and personnel.