UN envoy condemns attacks targeting dozens of protesters in northern Iraq

UN envoy condemns attacks targeting dozens of protesters in northern Iraq

Special Representative for Iraq Martin Kobler. Photo: UNAMI

http://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=45264&Cr=iraq&Cr1=#.UcqnBzs3A_g

25 June 2013 – The United Nations envoy in Iraq today strongly condemned the attacks that killed and injured dozens of protesters, including two prominent Turkmen leaders, in the northern town of Tuz Khurmatu.

“Such attacks aim to heighten tensions in this particularly sensitive region of Tuz Khurmatu,” said the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Iraq, Martin Kobler.

According to media reports, two suicide bombers blew themselves up inside a tent packed with Turkmen protesters, killing at least 11 people and wounding 55 others. Among the injured are Turkmen leaders, Ahmed Abdel-Wahed and Ali Hashem Mukhtar Oglou.

The protesters were calling for more protection and security in the town, which is regularly hit with attacks.

Mr. Kobler urged Iraqi leaders to ensure that communities are protected and to take all necessary measures to defuse such an alarming situation. He also reiterated his condemnation of all forms of violence, and extended his sincere condolences to the families of the victims.

The past couple of months have been some of the deadliest on record in the country. In April, 712 Iraqis were killed and more than 1,600 injured. In May, the death toll increased to 1,045 and more than 2,300 were wounded, according to figures released by the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI).