Erbil: Protesters blocked the Erbil-Kirkuk road after the Iraqi army closed sections of roads connecting several villages to the main Erbil-Kirkuk highway to prevent smuggling operations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the NINA correspondent reported that a number of protesters blocked the main road near the village of Darman today.

Farmers and poultry owners expressed their concerns as they are unable to reach the main road with their vehicles due to the closures. In response, they burned tires and blocked the Kirkuk-Erbil road to voice their frustration.

The army closed secondary and side roads in an effort to curb smuggling operations and prevent the exploitation of these routes to avoid paying customs duties.