Islamic State gains presence in Iraq’s Kirkuk

Kirkuk – a key city in the northern Kurdish region – was the target of bombings over the weekend.

Officials say ISIL has exploited Kirkuk’s divisions, quietly establishing a presence in the city’s Sunni Arab neighbourhoods where there is a deep resentment against the Kurds and the Shia-led government.

The challenge has prompted the Iraqi and Kurdish governments to cooperate on the frontline against the Islamic State and its allies.

Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr reports from Kirkuk.