BBC: Iraqi Kurds send reinforcements to Kirkuk amid army 'threats'
Thousands of Kurdish fighters have been deployed to Iraq's disputed Kirkuk region, officials say, amid fears that government forces want to retake it.
The autonomous Kurdistan Region's Vice-President, Kosrat Rasul, said it was responding to "threats" by the army.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has said he would not use the army against Iraqi citizens, but convoys were seen heading towards Kirkuk late on Thursday.
The move comes two weeks after the Kurds held an independence referendum.
Voters living in Kurdish-controlled areas - including Kirkuk - voted overwhelmingly in favour of secession, prompting calls from Kurdish officials for negotiations.
But Mr Abadi said the referendum was illegal and demanded it be annulled.
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WNU Editor: Iraq is denying reports that they are going to storm Kirkuk .... Iraq dismisses claim its army is preparing to retake Kirkuk from Kurds as 'fake news' (International Business Times).
style="text-align: center;">More News On Reports That Iraqi Kurds Are Deploying Thousands Of Fighters To Kirkuk To Deter Any Iraqi Attempt To Retake The City
Kurdish VP: Thousands of troops sent to Kirkuk to face 'Iraqi threat' -- Reuters
Fearing attack by Iraqi forces, Kurds take precautions -- France 24
Kurds on high alert as Iraqi forces mass near Kirkuk -- Al Jazeera
Thousands of Kurdish troops sent to Kirkuk to face 'Iraqi threat' -- The Telegraph
Peshmerga Command: ‘Foreign-backed' Iraqi army, Shiite forces prepare to attack Kirkuk -- RUDAW
Iraqi forces demand Kurdish troops' withdrawal from Kirkuk area -- Washington Post
Kirkuk residents anxious as Iraq forces, Kurds mobilise -- Yahoo News
Iraq on Edge as Kurdish, Iraqi Forces Face-off in Kirkuk -- VOA
If Iraqi-Kurdish tension blows up, Kirkuk will be the fuse -- CBS
Kurdish VP: Thousands of troops sent to Kirkuk to face 'Iraqi threat' -- Reuters
Fearing attack by Iraqi forces, Kurds take precautions -- France 24
Kurds on high alert as Iraqi forces mass near Kirkuk -- Al Jazeera
Thousands of Kurdish troops sent to Kirkuk to face 'Iraqi threat' -- The Telegraph
Peshmerga Command: ‘Foreign-backed' Iraqi army, Shiite forces prepare to attack Kirkuk -- RUDAW
Iraqi forces demand Kurdish troops' withdrawal from Kirkuk area -- Washington Post
Kirkuk residents anxious as Iraq forces, Kurds mobilise -- Yahoo News
Iraq on Edge as Kurdish, Iraqi Forces Face-off in Kirkuk -- VOA
If Iraqi-Kurdish tension blows up, Kirkuk will be the fuse -- CBS
