Iraqi forces advance in Kirkuk to retake city from Peshmerga

Iraqi security forces are advancing in Kirkuk, capturing key positions such as an air base, an oil refinery and the Kirkuk Airport on Monday.

The Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) Peshmerga forces withdrew from the southern regions of Kirkuk, according to reports.

The Hashd al-Shaabi group is also joining the Iraqi forces in the military movement initiated from Tuz Khurmatu.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi ordered the Iraqi flag to be raised in Kirkuk.

The Iraqi army has so far captured the Kirkuk Airport, the headquarters for the North Oil Company, northwest of Kirkuk, a nearby refinery, the K-1 air base, a power plant and the industrial district from the KRG, an Iraqi military statement said.

Local sources said Iraqi forces controlled Baba Gurgur oil field near Kirkuk, one of Iraq's oldest producing fields, and also seized full control of the Tuz Khurmatu district.

Army Capt. Saad Mohamed said Iraqi forces and the pro-government Hashd al-Shaabi militia captured the area after clashes with Kurdish Peshmerga forces.

Turkmen leader Niazi Oglu said the district is now under the full control of the government forces.

A general on Friday announced that the Iraqi army had initiated an operation to retake the disputed province of Kirkuk which was included in the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) illegal referendum on Sept. 25.