A week ago in Kirkuk, Iraq, tensions flared as the decision to hand over the Joint Operations Command’s headquarters to the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) led by Massoud Barzani led to protests. Tragically, four protesters lost their lives, and 15 others were injured in the Rahimava region, predominantly Kurdish. Although the decision to transfer the building to the KDP was postponed, the city remains on edge.
Local residents voiced their concerns, with İhsan Abdullah emphasizing the political nature of the events and the loss of innocent lives. Burhan Mahmut called for unity among Kurds, Turkmen, and Arabs, urging against discord. Citizen Soran Rahim condemned the events and called for the removal of outsiders who he believed had fueled the tensions. Sermet Gazi highlighted the city’s unity, emphasizing that residents, regardless of their backgrounds, coexist harmoniously in Kirkuk, both in daily life and work.