Federal Forces Close Daraman Checkpoint, Halting Kirkuk Traffic

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - The closure of the Daraman checkpoint in Kirkuk province by federal forces brought traffic to a complete halt on Saturday on the two main roads linking Kirkuk with Erbil and Sulaimani, leaving dozens of trucks and private vehicles stranded since the early hours of the night and into the dawn.

Truck drivers told Kurdistan24 that the Iraqi National Security Service ordered a ban on the passage of trucks, both loaded with goods and empty, without giving a reason. In protest at being held at the checkpoint, some of the affected drivers blocked the road, which stopped traffic entirely between Kirkuk and Erbil. The lane toward Sulaimani had already been closed since Friday night.

The drivers and travelers also expressed deep frustration that the Daraman checkpoint is closed on a weekly basis. They blamed the problem on a lack of coordination and overlapping authorities among the security forces stationed there, saying the Federal Police and the National Security Service each deny responsibility and refer drivers to the other without offering any solution.

Some drivers also criticized the security forces for pointing to security developments in the Bardi subdistrict as the reason for holding trucks for hours since dawn. They said the forces cited clashes there on Friday night with members of the ISIS terrorist group. The drivers warned that they would stop work and stay at home if the pressure on their livelihoods continues.

The source does not state why the National Security Service issued the ban, how long the checkpoint is expected to remain closed, or how many vehicles are affected beyond “dozens.”