Daesh attacks oil city Kirkuk, oil production not affected

Armed militants have raided government buildings in the Iraqi oil city of Kirkuk, police say situation is under control

Daesh militants attacked several buildings in the northern Iraqi oil city of Kirkuk on Friday before dawn PHOTO: BBC
Daesh militants attacked several buildings in the northern Iraqi oil city of Kirkuk on Friday before dawn PHOTO: BBC

Daesh militants attacked several buildings in the northern Iraqi oil city of Kirkuk on Friday before dawn, security sources said.

Iraqi media said suicide bombers had attacked police stations and a power plant, but that security forces repelled fighters.

The BBC reported that fighters broke into the town hall and took control of a hotel. It also cited Beirut-based newspaper Al-Sumaria as reporting that after the dawn attack, police had killed one suicide bomber but three others blew themselves up.

Crude production facilities were not targeted and power supply continued uninterrupted in the city, Reuters news agency reports, citing sources.

The hardline militant group claimed the attacks in online statements.

District police chief Brig Gen Sarhad Qadir reportedly told Al-Sumaria that the situation was under control.

The attack comes as Iraqi government-led forces attempt to retake the IS stronghold of Mosul.