Baghdad: security in Kirkuk completely restored

The Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi ordered the withdrawal of Shiite-led pro-government militias from Kirkuk province, who took part in the successful campaign to expel Kurdish forces from the northern region.

Al-Abadi also ordered the prosecution of those who spread hatred, racism and false information aimed at creating division among citizens, according to a statement from the Iraqi military Joint Operations Command, Xinhua reported.

The Prime Minister said that local police, with support from national anti-terrorist forces, are in charge of security in Kirkuk, banning the presence of any other armed group in the province.

He stressed that Iraqi security forces must protect citizens and their property without regard to anyone's religion or ethnicity.