Dec 03, 2013

Iraqi Turkmen: ITF Chairman Survives Assassination Attempt


On December 1st near the city of Kirkuk Chairman of the Iraqi Turkmen Front Mr. Arshad al-Salihi survived an assassination attempt. 

Below is an article published by the World Bulletin:

 Assassination attempt targeted the Chairman of the Iraqi Turkmen Front, Arshad al-Salihi in Iraqi province of Kirkuk on Sunday [1 December 2013].

A land mine detonated while Salihi's convoy was passing by en route to Taza district, 10 kilometers away from Kirkuk.

While there were no casualties, Salihi's armoured vehicle was heavily damaged due to the blast.

Salihi told AA that they were to visit Taza, one of the most important settlements for Turkmens, and a land mine was detonated with remote control.

"The windows of my armoured vehicle were smashed due to the attack. The vehicles of my security staff were not armoured. If the land mine had detonated near them, casualties would have been high," said Salihi.

Security forces continue to investigate the incident, noted Salihi.

Salihi stressed that the attack was organized to prevent Turkmens from pursuing their rightful causes.

Salihi said that they have made a proposal for Turkmens to establish their local security forces.

"They might have targeted us because of this demand, but we will insist on own security forces." he said.

This is the second attack targeting Turkmen leaders. Deputy head of Iraqi Turkmen Front Ali Hashim Mukhtaroglu was killed in a suicide attack organized on June 25, 2013.