Peregraf
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani has initiated an investigation into recent clashes between the Iraqi army and Kurdish farmers in Kirkuk’s disputed Sargaran subdistrict, where tensions over land ownership continue to escalate.
The latest confrontation erupted on Monday when Iraqi security forces prevented Kurdish farmers from entering lands that had been confiscated in previous years. Footage from the incident showed security forces engaging in physical altercations with civilians, including an officer attempting to remove a local farmer from his tractor.
This follows a pattern of confrontations in the region. In November, similar incidents occurred when Iraqi forces blocked Kurdish farmers from cultivating their lands, with many blaming Arab settlers for complicity in these restrictions.
In response to the crisis, Sudani directed the Joint Operations Command to establish a high-level investigative committee to examine all aspects of the incident, according to a statement from Iraq’s Security Media Cell. Additionally, he dispatched Justice Ministry Undersecretary Burhan al-Qaisi to Kirkuk to address disputes over land ownership between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).
The prime minister further urged both Iraqi and Kurdish security forces to exercise restraint, act responsibly, and adhere to the law to prevent further instability in the region.
These clashes occur against the backdrop of recent legislative efforts to address historical grievances related to land ownership. Last month, Iraq’s parliament passed the Property Restitution Law, which seeks to return lands seized during the Baathist regime to their original Kurdish and Turkmen owners. These lands had previously been redistributed to Arab settlers as part of a demographic reengineering strategy.
Despite this legal progress, the enforcement of the law remains contentious, as demonstrated by continued military interference in Kurdish farmers’ access to their land.
Condemnation from the Kurdistan Regional Government
The latest developments have drawn strong criticism from the Kurdistan Region’s leadership. The Kurdistan Region Presidency condemned the incident as "unacceptable," while the KRG labeled the Iraqi army’s intervention as unconstitutional and contrary to Iraq’s democratic principles.
KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani denounced the military’s role in land disputes, arguing that such actions undermine efforts to rectify historical injustices.
"Despite steps taken to eliminate the legacy of the former regime’s demographic policies, these actions persist. Using the army for such purposes is illegal and unconstitutional," Barzani stated, warning of potential consequences if such practices continue.
Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani echoed these concerns, emphasizing the threat posed to Kirkuk’s fragile coexistence.
"Deploying military forces against rightful landowners is unacceptable. We fully support the farmers and will work towards a long-term solution in collaboration with all parties in Kirkuk," Talabani said, calling for legal accountability for those involved in the violations.
The situation remains highly volatile as Kurdish landowners continue to demand access to their confiscated properties. With political and security tensions mounting, there is growing pressure for legal and diplomatic interventions to resolve the crisis before it further destabilizes the region.