ISIS attack on Kirkuk to make up for front-line defeat

[Anthea]

Barzani: ISIS attack on Kirkuk failed attempt to make up for front-line defeats

Kurdish President Masoud Barzani described the ISIS militant attack on the city of Kirkuk on Friday as “A failed attempt by terrorists to make up for the defeats they have suffered at the hands of the Peshmerga on the frontline.”

“I reassure the people of Kirkuk and the entire Kurdish nation that we, credit to the unity and resolve of the Peshmerga forces and our loyal nation, will confront and defeat the terrorists.” Barzani said in a statement on Saturday.

“Kirkuk should be protected at all cost, and shall never again fall to the enemy,” said Barzani, adding that authorities in Kirkuk had full powers “to take necessary measures to review the security plan of the city in order to prevent terrorist attacks and protect the people of Kirkuk governorate.”

The Kurdish president hailed the security forces of Kirkuk and its people for their quick action and resilience that repelled the terrorist attack.

“I also extend my condolences to the relatives of those who lost their lives in the attack, and wish a speedy recovery for the wounded.” Barzani said.

Around 35-50 ISIS militants launched a surprise attack against a number of government, police and political party offices in Kirkuk on Friday that led to a full day of intense clashes with the security forces and the death of all the militants, according to governor Najmaldin Karim.

http://rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/221020163