Tevgera Azadi (Kurdistan Free Society Movement ) Kirkuk officials stated that Turkey was involved in the ISIS attack on Kirkuk, and vowed to protect Kirkuk against attacks.

Tevgera Azadi Kirkuk co-chair Nevzat Kerküki remarked that Turkey was involved in the ISIS attack on Kirkuk because of its non-participation in the Mosul operation.

Kerküki said: “The Turkish state's goal with this attack is to annex the provinces of Mosul and Kirkuk to its own lands. This aggression was conducted with a cooperation of the Turkish state and ISIS. Guerrillas, peshmergas and we will protect Kirkuk all together. We as Tevgera Azadi will take part in this battle.”

Another Tevgera Azadi official Haci Nuredin told that: “Turkey's Misak-ı Milli (National Pact) plan lies behind this attack. This plan has existed since 1920. Turkish state seeks to annex Kirkuk and Mosul to its lands on the basis of an Ottoman dream. Still, this is just a dream which Turkey will never be able to make real because guerrillas, peshmergas and the people are fighting in the same battle field and defending Kirkuk all together.”

Tevgera Azadi Kirkuk executive Aso Mıhemed also highlighted Turkey's engagement in this attack, citing the Turkish state's dream to occupy the Mosul province.

Mıhemed said: "This attack by ISIS was carried out to disrupt the operation on Mosul. Peshmergas, guerrillas and asayish forces have retaliated against this attack by putting up a brave fight. As Tevgera Azadi, we will fight against ISIS. We call on the people of Kirkuk to protect their city. We will escalate our actions in order for the leave of Turkish troops from Kurdistan soil during the days to come."