Gunman killed, another arrested in Kirkuk clash with Iraqi security forces

KIRKUK — Gunmen clashed with Iraqi security forces early Wednesday in Sekaniyan village, south of Kirkuk, leaving one gunman dead and another arrested, according to local officials. Three security personnel were injured in the skirmish.

Dana Ghazi, a member of the Sekaniyan Village Council, told 964media that the confrontation occurred around 6:40 a.m. “There was an exchange of fire between Iraqi National Security Service members, local police forces, and several armed individuals inside a house,” Ghazi said. “One of the gunmen was killed, and another was taken into custody.”

A security source confirmed that three personnel were wounded, including two members of the Iraqi National Security Service. “The situation is under control, and an investigation has been launched,” the source told 964media.

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the gunmen or any potential ties to organized groups.

Iraq’s National Security Service issued a statement identifying the gunman involved in the Kirkuk raid as an ISIS operative. “An ISIS operative, who worked as a courier for the terrorist group, took his own life after a raid by Iraq’s National Security Service in Kirkuk,” the statement read.

The operation is part of the National Security Service’s ongoing efforts to “pursue the remnants of ISIS terrorist cells.” Coordinated with the General Directorate of Operations of the Kurdistan Region’s Asayish, the raid was based on information from a previously captured ISIS member who revealed the presence of a terrorist cell in Kirkuk province.

“After obtaining the necessary judicial approvals, our units moved to the cell’s location and conducted a raid,” the statement continued. “A firefight ensued with a terrorist who was hiding inside.”

The statement further noted that after security forces surrounded the house, the terrorist, “who was working as a courier for ISIS,” chose to commit suicide. The exchange of gunfire also resulted in injuries to “two of our brave officers.”

A source from Iraq’s National Security Service informed 964media that the group involved in the clash was “suspected of planning a major terrorist operation inside Kirkuk.”

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that a joint operation between the Kurdistan Regional Security Agency and Iraq’s National Security Service on Tuesday evening led to the capture of a senior ISIS operative. “The suspect provided detailed information about the group located in Sekaniyan village,” the source said.

“One suspect was apprehended,” the source added. “Another militant, believed to be around 18 years old, took his own life after resisting arrest and realizing there was no escape.”

The source further revealed that the detained individual had returned to Kirkuk from the United States three days earlier and was related to the militant who committed suicide.

According to the source, the group, which comprised five individuals, was “preparing to carry out a major terrorist attack in Kirkuk.”

Sekaniyan village is located near the Old Sulaimaniyah Restaurant, predominantly inhabited by Christians and Kurds.

This article has been updated