SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Iraqi Interior Minister Othman al-Ghanmi visited Kirkuk on Monday to oversee the security situation in the province, state news agency INA reported.
Ghanmi alongside Deputy Commander of Iraqi Joint Operations Abdul Amir al-Shammari held a meeting with Kirkuk governor Rakan al-Jabouri and security commanders in Kirkuk.
The minister ordered the security officials to coordinate, cooperate and communicate to enhance security and provide stability to all citizens in Kirkuk, the Iraqi interior ministry said in a statement.
“Kirkuk is a miniature Iraq … the government is keen to preserve security in the country,” Ghanmi said.
He also stressed the need to support steps that strengthen law and fight terrorism, crime groups and drug dealers, the statement read.
“The security of citizens and Kirkuk is a red line and we are keen to establish security and stability throughout the cities in Iraq,” Ghanmi added.
Ghanmi’s visit comes as Islamic State (ISIS) militants have increased attacks against the Iraqi security forces in Kirkuk province.
One Iraqi soldier was killed and five others were wounded as the Iraqi military was searching for ISIS militants in areas in south of Kirkuk.
The federal government announced victory over Islamic State by the end of 2017 after Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by U.S.-led Coalition regained control of areas once captured by the militant group.
Despite its defeat, ISIS still poses a threat to the security and stability of the country as there are still sleeper cells in Iraq.
*This story was updated at 04:03 p.m. EBL time
