Security

Iraqi Prime Minister Orders Investigation Into Kirkuk Incident

Additionally, he instructed the Iraqi Deputy Minister of Justice to visit Kirkuk and take necessary legal measures regarding disputed lands of mutual concern between federal areas and the Kurdistan Region.

The Iraqi Joint Operations Command’s Security Media Cell logo. (Photo: JOC)
The Iraqi Joint Operations Command’s Security Media Cell logo. (Photo: JOC)
Kurdistan Iraqi Security Media Cell Iraqi Joint Operations Command Kirkuk province

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, Tuesday ordered a high-level investigation into Monday’s incident in the outskirts of Kirkuk, where Kurdish farmers were prevented from working on their lands.

The Prime Minister has directed the Joint Operations Command to form an investigative committee with representation from all relevant parties to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the event. 

Additionally, he instructed the Iraqi Deputy Minister of Justice to visit Kirkuk and take necessary legal measures regarding disputed lands of mutual concern between federal areas and the Kurdistan Region.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Joint Operations Command’s Security Media Cell, all security forces—including the army, federal police, Peshmerga, and intelligence agencies—were urged to exercise restraint, adhere to the law, and act with wisdom and professionalism to prevent further tensions. 

The statement also called on all political parties to prioritize national interests, uphold the constitution, and support security forces in maintaining stability and protecting shared national objectives.

In a relative development, the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) faction in the Iraqi Parliament visited the village of Shanagha, near the Sargaran sub-district in Kirkuk on Tuesday, to show support for Kurdish farmers who were prevented from working on their lands.

Speaking to Kurdistan24 English, Iraqi member of parliament (MP) Vian Dakhil condemned the actions taken against the farmers, stating, “We do not accept the oppression of Kurdish farmers.” She emphasized that the annulment of Ba’ath regime-era decisions, which had led to the confiscation and redistribution of Kurdish farmlands, was legally approved and must be implemented. Additionally, Najwa Kakayi, an Iraqi MP representing Kirkuk residents, reaffirmed the KDP’s firm stance in defending Kurdish rights. She explained that the delegation’s visit aimed to understand why the Iraqi army obstructed the farmers and to demand accountability for such actions.

On Monday, tensions escalated in the Sargaran subdistrict of Kirkuk province when Iraqi military forces prevented Kurdish farmers from accessing and working on their lands. In response, Kurdish leaders and officials have expressed strong condemnation. 

President Masoud Barzani denounced the threats against Kurdish farmers, calling for immediate action to protect their rights and ensure justice. Similarly, the Kurdistan Region Presidency labeled the military's actions as "unacceptable," urging all parties to exercise restraint and uphold the law to maintain social harmony.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has also reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the land rights of Kurdish farmers, emphasizing the importance of peaceful coexistence and adherence to legal frameworks. These developments underscore the ongoing challenges in disputed territories and the need for collaborative solutions to address land disputes and protect the rights of local communities.