Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) militia Hashd al-Shaabi attacked the peshmerga forces in Salahaddin’s Tuz Khurmatu and Kirkuk’s Taza Khurmatu districts at around 02:30 last night. The Kurdish forces responded to the attack and intense clashes were reported in both districts.

Casualties are reported among Kurdish peshmergas and PMF militia in Taza Khurmatu.

In rural areas Iraqi forces moved towards Kirkuk and reportedly control some areas including oil fields to the west of the city.

In the south of the city exchange of artillery file has been reported between Hashd al-Shaabi and 101st Peshmerga Battalion.

Iraq started a blockade against the Kurdish regions after the independence referendum of September 25. Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi threatened the Kurds with military action if the results of the referendum were not cancelled.