CHANNEL8 Coverage
Iraqi PM Orders Investigation into Kirkuk Incident Involving Military Forces and Farmers
The Iraqi Security Media Cell issued a statement detailing the response to an incident that unfolded on February 17, 2025, on the outskirts of Kirkuk Governorate, where Kurdish farmers were reportedly obstructed by Iraqi military forces while carrying out their agricultural activities.
The situation escalated when two individuals were assaulted during the confrontation.
"The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Iraqi Prime Minister, followed the details of the incident that occurred yesterday on the outskirts of Kirkuk Governorate, where farmers were prevented from carrying out their work," the statement read. "His Excellency ordered the Joint Operations Command to form a high-level investigative committee representing all parties to investigate all aspects of this incident."
In response to the situation, the statement confirmed that the Deputy Minister of Justice would be sent to Kirkuk to address concerns regarding lands of common interest between the federal regions and the Kurdistan Region.
The Iraqi government also urged all involved security forces, including the Army, Interior Ministry, Peshmerga, Popular Mobilization, and intelligence agencies, to "adhere to the laws and directives, maintain high self-control, act wisely and patriotically, and not to give opportunities to those waiting in ambush or those fishing in troubled waters."
Further, the statement emphasized the importance of unity, urging "all parties and political forces to adopt wisdom and calmness, prioritize the supreme national interests, abide by the law and the constitution, and support the security forces in preserving all security gains and shared national goals."
In the aftermath, the governor of Kirkuk confirmed that the soldiers involved in the assault had been arrested.
18/02/2025
Iraqi PM Orders Investigation into Kirkuk Incident Involving Military Forces and Farmers
52 Iraqi Lawmakers Urge Parliament to Address Kurdish Farmers’ Land Dispute in Kirkuk
A group of 52 Iraqi MPs has signed a petition calling for an emergency parliamentary session to discuss the ongoing land disputes affecting Kurdish farmers in Kirkuk.
In a formal memorandum submitted to the Speaker of the Iraqi House of Representatives, the lawmakers requested the session be convened under Article 58 of the Iraqi Constitution. They emphasized the need to address the challenges facing Kurdish farmers, including alleged abuses by the Iraqi army.
On February 17, Kurdish farmers in Kirkuk reported that Iraqi military forces entered their lands, obstructed their agricultural activities, and assaulted two individuals. In response to the incident, the governor of Kirkuk announced that the soldiers involved in the assault had been arrested.