Changes to Counter-Terrorism Regiment Leadership in Kirkuk After Alton Kopri Incident
Security source: the regiment commander was dismissed and Col. (A. S.) reinstated. A committee appointed by the prime minister continues its work.
A security source in Kirkuk said Sunday evening that changes were made to the leadership of the province’s Counter-Terrorism Regiment, following the Alton Kopri incident that left two civilians dead during a security operation.
The source said, "The regiment commander, Lieutenant Colonel, was dismissed from his post after about a week in the position, while Colonel (A. S.), the former commander of the regiment, was returned to his post."
He added that the changes are part of measures taken by the Counter-Terrorism Service leadership in the wake of the incident in the Alton Kopri subdistrict, which resulted in the deaths of two civilians during the security operation.
According to information, the investigation committee appointed by the Prime Minister continues its work to examine the circumstances of the incident and determine responsibilities, while circulated reports indicate the investigations are tending toward holding one officer and five personnel responsible for negligence.
The source clarified that this information has not been officially announced yet, and that the investigation results and final decisions regarding those responsible for the incident will be issued after the committee completes its work.
The Alton Kopri incident attracted wide attention in Kirkuk after the deaths of two civilians during a security operation, prompting the authorities to form an investigative committee to establish the circumstances and identify any failures and responsibilities.
