Amnesty International: Hundreds of Sunni Arabs Expelled from Kirkuk Following ISIS Attacks

Amnesty International states that following recent clashes with the group known as the 'Islamic State', officials in Kirkuk, which is under the control of the Kurdistan Region, have expelled hundreds of Sunni Arab citizens from their residences in the city. On November 8, Amnesty International reported that Kirkuk officials destroyed the homes of hundreds of Arab citizens and ordered them to leave the city. It is estimated that the residences of approximately 250 families have been destroyed. These individuals had come to this oil-rich city from other regions of Iraq. Additionally, according to this monitoring organization, Peshmerga forces and 'special security and stability forces' in the Kurdistan Region have expelled another 190 families from their homes in nearby villages. The expelled individuals and families have been accused of supporting or collaborating with the militants of the group known as the 'Islamic State' during the recent attacks. According to Amnesty International, security forces and Peshmerga in Kirkuk have asked these citizens to return to their original places of residence or go to a camp. The clashes, suicide bombings, and explosions in Kirkuk occurred after the operation to retake Mosul began. These conflicts resulted in 46 deaths over three days, most of whom were members of security and military forces in the Kurdistan Region. Najm al-Din Karim, the governor of Kirkuk, told AFP that 81 ISIS militants were also killed in the clashes. The Iranian embassy in Baghdad and the Foreign Ministry also reported the deaths of 'three' to 'four' Iranian citizens in these attacks. Amnesty International, citing those forced to leave Kirkuk, stated that their homes were destroyed on November 4, just one day after Kirkuk officials claimed they had ended the attacks and insecurity. A senior official in this human rights organization has urged the Kurdish officials in Kirkuk to 'immediately' cease their 'illegal actions in destroying civilian homes and expelling' them. Kirkuk officials have yet to respond to Amnesty International's report.