Coalition Statement on Military Movements Near Kirkuk

Oct. 16, 2017
Release # 20171016-02
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SOUTHWEST ASIA - The Coalition is monitoring movements of military vehicles and personnel in the vicinity of Kirkuk. These movements of military vehicles, so far, have been coordinated movements, not attacks.

Coalition forces and advisors are not supporting Government of Iraq or Kurdistan Regional Government activities near Kirkuk, but are aware of reports of a limited exchange of fire during predawn hours of darkness Oct. 16. We believe the engagement this morning was a misunderstanding and not deliberate as two elements attempted to link up under limited visibility conditions.

The Coalition strongly urges all sides to avoid escalatory actions.

"We continue to advocate dialogue between Iraqi and Kurdish authorities. All parties must remain focused on the defeat of our common enemy, ISIS, in Iraq," said Maj. Gen. Robert White, Commanding General of the Combined Joint Forces Land Component Command - Operation Inherent Resolve.

The Coalition is committed to the defeat of ISIS in Iraq and Syria, and is against any action that distracts from our mission.