According to latest reports from the ground, heavy clashes are taking place in Arafa locality between Hashd al-Shaabi and HPG’s guerrillas forces that have formed a line of defense together with former peshmergas in Kirkuk.

Local sources report that KDP’s peshmerga forces have retreated from some areas in Kirkuk and that these areas have been taken by Hashd al-Shaabi, i.e. Popular Mobilization Units, that are launching attacks with tanks.

On the other hand, reports suggest that Hashd al-Shaabi militia has taken control over Kirkuk’s Daquq subdistrict and Tuz Khurmatu district of Salahaddin province.