Iraqi forces seize military base in Kirkuk

By Ibrahim Salih

BAGHDAD (AA) – Iraqi forces on Monday captured a military base in the oil-rich city of Kirkuk, according to Iraq’s Ministry of Defense.

In a statement, the ministry said the elite anti-terrorism forces have completed their redeployment in the K-1 base.

Located south of Kirkuk, the base has been under the control of the Kurdish Peshmerga forces since 2014.

Earlier Monday, the Iraqi army launched an operation to capture military bases and oil fields in Kirkuk.

The move comes amid tension between Baghdad and the Kurdish Regional Government after last month’s illegitimate Kurdish independence referendum.

The Sept. 25 referendum has faced strong opposition from most regional and international actors -- including the U.S., Turkey, and Iran -- who warned that the poll would distract from Iraq’s fight against terrorism and further destabilize the region.

The Iraqi parliament has approved a set of measures against the Kurdish region, including the deployment of federal forces in disputed areas, including Kirkuk.