Iraqi special forces take security in Kirkuk

BAGHDAD (AA) - Iraqi special forces took over the security of Kirkuk city from counter-terrorism forces, the country’s security media center said on Wednesday.

In a statement, the Iraqi Security Media Center said that the 61st Brigade of the special forces will perform their duties under the command of Combined Joint Task Force, in accordance with the Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi’s decree.

The statement said the special forces also conducted extensive field research in Iraq’s northern Kirkuk province.

In late 2017, Iraqi federal forces moved into several parts of Iraq “disputed” between Baghdad and Erbil, including Kirkuk.

As federal forces moved into Kirkuk, Peshmerga forces loyal to the Kurdish Regional Government -- who had seized control of Kirkuk in 2014 -- withdrew from the city.