Iraqi forces occupied several positions in Kirkuk yesterday, including its provincial administration, in a military operation aimed at regaining control of the country following last month’s Kurdish referendum, Bloomberg reports. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi had previously vowed to avoid such military actions. Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Ministry issued a statement yesterday urging both sides to “show restraint” and instead engage in dialogue. An escalation of tension in the area risks pushing oil prices up.

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