Turkmen conduct peaceful demonstration at Kirkuk Government Building

Courtesy Photo | Qoria police provided security for approximately 40 to 50 Turkmen gathered Sept. 25 outside the Kirkuk Government Building to peaceably demonstrate for resolution of Saddam-era land issues affecting Taza, Iraq. Taza is located in southern Kirkuk Province. (Photo submitted by Task Force 2-116 Armor)  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

10.04.2005

Courtesy Story

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FOB WARRIOR, Iraq -- When a patrol from 116th Brigade Combat Team's Task Force 2-116 Armor went to investigate reports of 40 to 50 Turkmen gathered outside the Kirkuk Government Building Sept. 25, they were pleasantly surprised to find a group of peaceful Iraqis exercising appropriate freedom of expression and engaging Iraqi leaders with their issues.

According to the investigating patrol the event, organized by a group of Turkmen from Taza, Iraq, was very well organized and included security and coordination with government leaders.

"Upon arrival, the patrol found 40-50 Turkoman males holding signs," read the TF 2-116 Armor patrol report. "Qoria Police were on site with three patrol cars providing security in the area."

The demonstrators had gathered to bring some land issues in their area to the attention of the provincial leadership.

"The Qoria police informed the patrol that it was a Turkoman group seeking to regain control of lands near Taza that had been turned over to Arabs during the Saddam era," continued the report. "The leaders of the group were inside the government building meeting with the city council and the Governor. The demonstration appeared to be very peaceful, no chanting."

The city of Taza is located in southern Kirkuk Province.

Helping Iraqi security forces maintain stability while Iraqis exercise their freedoms in developing local and national government is part of the 116th BCT's mission while deployed in north central Iraq. The unit's mission also includes assisting Iraq's new government, supporting economic development and facilitating communications.

The 116th BCT is comprised of headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and various intelligence, signal, and specialized units. The 116th BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

• Date Taken: 10.04.2005
• Date Posted: 10.04.2005 15:20
• Story ID: 3184
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ