Guerrilla forces, volunteer fighters from the residents and peshmergas who haven’t left the city closed off main roads in the city in response to the attacks launched against Kirkuk.

Volunteer fighters, guerrilla forces and peshmergas who haven’t left the city have expanded the line of defense.

Reports say the Kirkuk-Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk-Hewlêr and all main roads have been closed off due to possible attacks and to prevent certain groups from leaving the city.

Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people flock to the line of defense formed by the guerrilla forces in Kirkuk and say that they will not leave the city under any circumstances.

IRAQ: “WE HAVE SOME LOCATIONS UNDER CONTROL”

The statement issued by Iraqi Joint Forces Command at the same time claimed that Iraqi forces have taken control of some areas.

A statement by the Iraqi Joint Forces Command said: “Our forces have taken over the Xald bridge, the Riyaz road, the Xald school, the Meryem Beg gate, the Reshd-Meryem Beg road, Pîşesaxî and Tirklam neighborhoods, Yaycî town, Bakur gas factory, the police center and the oil refinery next to the gas factory.”

Hashd al-Shaabi forces launched an attack on Kirkuk and the Xurmatû town late last night. First reports say Xurmatû has fallen under Hashd al-Shaabi control.