KIRKUK, Kurdistan Region — A number of explosions hit Kirkuk city late on Thursday, killing and injuring a number of people per initial reports.

Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices detonated (VBIED) detonated

Rudaw's correspondent in Kirkuk said three people have died and 11 were wounded.

Iraqi Security Media Cell later confirmed the explosion in a statement that six IEDs exploded in Kirkuk and security forces “defused” two others.

“These attacks took place in the streets of Quds, [near] the governor’s office and Baghdad Road in Kirkuk province, injuring two people,” it said.

The media cell added in a separate statement that three people were initially killed and 16 were injured.

No group immediately claimed the attacks.

Kirkuk is a disputed or Kurdistani city claimed by Erbil and Baghdad.

Since the events of October 17, 2016, Iraqi federal forces have held its security portfolio.

It is diverse and home to Kurds, Turkmen, Arabs, Christians, and other groups.


This is a developing story... Update: 10:51 p.m.

Reporting by Hiwa Husamadin


Rudaw