Iraqi forces seize largest oil fields near Kirkuk

Photo: AFP

Iraqi government forces have taken control of the two largest oil fields near the disputed city of Kirkuk after Kurdish forces left the area, the BBC reports.

A string of oilfields – vital to the Kurdish economy – have been taken by Iraqi troops since Monday.

Troops have taken over sites, including Kirkuk city, in the wake of a Kurdish referendum on independence declared illegitimate by the central government.

Kurdish forces have also left an area on the border with Iran, reports say.

Iraqi troops are also preparing to take control of the Khanaqin area, where a small oil field is located, security sources were quoted by Reuters news agency as saying.