Turkmens urged to ‘protect’ themselves against terrorists in Kirkuk

President of the Iraqi Turkmen Front Arshad al-Salihi urged Turkmens in Kirkuk to protect themselves.

“Be conscious of each other. Conflicts have started around Tuz Khurmatu and Kirkuk. Do not be the target of anyone and take the weapons you possess. Stand at your door and on the streets, do not be afraid,” said Salihi.

Salihi, who warned that Daesh or the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK) terrorist organizations might target Turkmen regions, said, "These are sensitive days. God willing, these days will also pass and we will reach the light.”

There have been reports of clashes between Hashd al-Shaabi and the Peshmerga.

During and after the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Kurdish Peshmerga forces seized Kirkuk, prompting an influx of Kurds into the ethnically-diverse city.

Kirkuk’s population has historically been comprised mainly of Arabs, Turkmens and Kurds.