Two dead in clashes between Iraqi and Kurdish forces in northern Iraq

Two dead in clashes between Iraqi and Kurdish forces in northern Iraq

2011-04-25 23:04:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

KIRKUK, IRAQ (BNO NEWS) -- Two people on Monday were killed due to clashes between the Iraqi army and Kurdish security forces in northern Iraq, the Aswat al-Iraq news agency reported.

The fire exchange began after an Iraqi Army patrol shot at a vehicle in the northern city of Kirkuk. The driver was killed and elements of the Kurdish Asayish engaged in a gun fight on Atlas Street.

In addition to the two fatalities, four more individuals were injured and transported to a local hospital. One of the victims and the four wounded were wearing military uniforms. The other fatal victim was the fore mentioned civilian driver.

It is unknown why the Iraqi forces attacked the vehicle. The gun battle lasted an approximate 15 minutes. The wounded soldiers are being treated at the Kirkuk Hospital. Their condition is unknown.

On Sunday, a captain of the Kirkuk police was killed in an explosion in the city's al-Miqdad Police Center. An explosive device was attached to the victim's police vehicle and detonated as he was driving through the southwest al-Wassity district.

The police captain was killed on the spot. Earlier that day, another police officer was killed in another car bomb incident. In addition, the policeman's wife and son were injured in the terror attack.

Kirkuk is located about 280 kilometers (174 miles) to the northeast of Baghdad. Kurds claim control of the city as it was originally a Kurdish city. Currently, the city is home to a mixture of Arabs, Armenians, Assyrians, Kurds, Shabaks, and Turkmens.

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