Kurdish referendum: Iraqi forces say in control of roads, infrastructure near Kirkuk

Iraq's Joint Operations Command, which groups all pro-government forces, said it was making progress in its operation to "restore security" in Kirkuk.

Iraqi soldiers in the Qatash area towards Kirkuk gas plant, south of Kirkuk, Iraq on Monday | AP 

KIRKUK (BAGHDAD): Iraqi forces said today they had taken control of roads and infrastructure from Kurdish fighters near the disputed city of Kirkuk as tensions soar following a controversial independence referendum.

Iraq's Joint Operations Command, which groups all pro-government forces, said it was making progress in its operation to "restore security" in Kirkuk.

Iraqi forces are aiming to retake military bases and oil fields which Kurdish peshmerga fighters took during the fightback against the Islamic State jihadist group.