Chamchamal, Mar 23: The key northern Iraqi city of Kirkuk was hit by fresh airstrikes today, with four large flashes seen from this Kurdish-controlled town lighting up the night sky over the strategic oil-rich centre. Anti-aircraft fire was also seen fired in response to the attack on Kirkuk, situated 40 km due west of this frontline town controlled by the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the Kurdish rebel faction running this part of the autonomous north. Residents in Chamchamal said they had heard a series of explosions from the direction of Kirkuk throughout the day. Kirkuk was last attacked late on Friday. It was impossible to say what targets have been struck.

Bureau Report