ITF demands enhanced security measures in Kirkuk

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The Iraqi Turkmen Front (ITF) has called on Iraq's Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to implement immediate measures to strengthen security in Kirkuk province, emphasizing the protection of the Turkmen community.

In a statement released Saturday, the ITF highlighted a series of recent security incidents targeting the Turkmen community in Kirkuk.

"Recent security violations in Kirkuk province have directly targeted the Turkmen component, beginning with the assassination of Ahmed Tahir on Mar. 3, 2023, and extending to the fires at the Qaysari and Khan Qirdar markets in the main bazaar, which investigations revealed were linked to PKK involvement," the statement detailed.

The Front cited the most recent incident occurring on Friday, at 6:00 AM, when four armed individuals reportedly attacked the home of the Turkmeneli TV channel's general director's brother, making threats against the family.

"These ongoing terrorist attacks against the Turkmen community represent a clear attempt to undermine Turkmen resolve and silence those demanding their legitimate rights, ultimately destabilizing Kirkuk's social fabric," the ITF statement emphasized.

The organization made several specific demands:

- Direct oversight from the Prime Minister in investigating these incidents

- Ensuring perpetrators face justice, similar to the handling of the Qaysari market fire case

- Complete control of Kirkuk province by Iraqi security forces

- Elimination of terrorist group strongholds in the area

This call for enhanced security measures comes amid growing concerns about the safety of minority communities in Kirkuk, a city long characterized by its diverse ethnic makeup and strategic importance in northern Iraq.

The ITF's statement reflects increasing tensions in the region and highlights the ongoing challenges of maintaining security and protecting minority rights in this historically contested province.