Islamic State gains presence in Iraq’s Kirkuk

Officials say armed group exploited divisions, quietly establishing presence in Kirkuk’s Sunni Arab neighbourhoods.

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.

Source: Al Jazeera