The US military says a deadly exchange of fire between Iraqi and Kurdish forces in Kirkuk is a “misunderstanding,” urging both sides to cease hostilities and focus on fighting the Islamic State group.
“ISIS remains the true enemy of Iraq and we urge all parties to remain focused on finishing the liberation of their country from this menace,” a statement from the US mission in Baghdad reads.
Iraqi forces seized a key military base, an airport and oil fields from Kurdish fighters in disputed Kirkuk province in a major operation launched on Sunday night, and Kurds reported at least 10 of their fighters dead in clashes.
Kurdish forces seized control of Kirkuk in the summer of 2014, when Islamic State militants swept across northern Iraq and the country’s armed forces crumbled. The Kurds claim Kirkuk, even though it is outside their autonomous region.
The central government has long demanded the Kurds withdraw, and appears to have decided to act in the wake of last month’s Kurdish vote for independence, which was rejected as unconstitutional by Baghdad.
— Agencies
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