Hashd al-Shaabi says one fighter killed in Kirkuk attack

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The Popular Mobilization Forces (Hashd al-Shaabi) said one of its members was killed and another wounded in an armed attack on one of its positions in Kirkuk. In a statement released Thursday, the group said the assault targeted a post in the Altun Kupri district, within the area of responsibility of the 16th Brigade under the Northern and Eastern Tigris Operations Command. The attack took place around 2:00 a.m., according to the statement, identifying the killed fighter as Ali Bedhet Hamid and the wounded member as Canit Ismet Bedhet. The wounded fighter was transferred to a hospital for treatment, the statement added. Hashd al-Shaabi said the relevant procedures had been initiated and that the competent authorities are investigating the circumstances of the attack. The group said efforts are underway to identify those responsible for the assault. No further details were immediately available.