Iraq News

Recent violence spike in Kirkuk has raised many questions on whether Iraqi Forces are capable of handling security in the city amidst new bombings and tension caused by the province’s components over the elections law. Meanwhile, US troops were seen carrying out joint patrols with Iraqi Forces in Kirkuk streets for the first time since their withdrawal from Iraqi cities on June 30 by virtue of the SOFA agreement. Iraqi Police commissioner Taleb Saber who is participating in these patrols reassured that the security situation is stable. A soldier from the US patrol reiterated that the US military is ready to support Iraqi troops. Iraqi Parliament has failed to resolve Kirkuk issue which is hindering the ratification of the elections law. While lights are shed on the meetings of the national security political council, security forces are vigilant in prevention of any instability.