Kirkuk: A security source announced the martyrdom of two policemen and the injury of several civilians as a result of clashes between supporters of Kurdish and Turkmen parties in Kirkuk.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the source stated that supporters of Kurdish parties burned a picture of the head of the Iraqi Turkmen Front, Mohammed Saman, in al-Shorja area, sparking anger among the Turkmen and prompting them to take to the streets. Meanwhile, in Tuwaiq Baghdad area in central Kirkuk, a fistfight and gunfire erupted. Security forces intervened to quell the clashes, resulting in the martyrdom of two of their members.

The source added that Kirkuk police arrested seven individuals involved in the shooting and rioting in an area north of Kirkuk.

The Kirkuk Operations Command announced the commencement of the general voting process in Kirkuk Governorate.

Lieutenant General Saleh Harz Nasser, the Operations Commander, stated that the Command had secured the polling centers within its area of responsibility, noting that security forces from various formations were deployed according to a well-defined plan to ensure the smooth and transparent conduct of the electoral process. He explained that the security situation in Kirkuk is stable and fully under control, and that all security measures have been implemented to ensure the protection of citizens, employees, and polling centers.