U.S. calls on all Iraqi parties to cease military action

CAIRO – 16 October 2017: The U.S. embassy in Baghdad calls on all Iraqi parties to immediately cease military action and restore peace, while they continue to work with officials from the central and regional governments to reduce tensions and avoid further clashes.

The calls for peace and cooperation came in a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy on Monday.

The statement continued that “we are very concerned by reports of violence in Kirkuk and deplore any loss of life;” stressing that the United States supports the “peaceful exercise of joint administration by the central and regional governments,” consistent with the Iraqi Constitution, in all disputed areas.

“Islamic State (IS) remains the true enemy of Iraq, and we urge all parties to remain focused on finishing the liberation of their country from this menace,” the statement read.

In light of the security operations launched by the Government of Iraq in the vicinity of Kirkuk City, the U.S. Mission in Iraq is advising citizens located in these areas, who are unable or unwilling to depart, to shelter in place.