Iraqi security forces to probe assault on youth over Kurdish flag
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A high-ranking Iraqi security official confirmed to Rudaw on Tuesday that authorities are investigating a disturbing video showing a member of the Iraqi security forces assaulting a Kurdish youth south of Kirkuk, reportedly for displaying the Kurdistan flag.
Major General Saad Maan, head of Iraq's Security Media Cell, stated that security authorities will conduct an investigation “as quickly as possible” into the incident.
The video submitted to Rudaw shows an Iraqi security officer attacking a Kurdish youth with an AK-47 rifle in the disputed district of Tuz Khurmatu, south of Kirkuk. Eyewitnesses said the assault occurred after the young man was reportedly seen displaying the Kurdistan flag.
Major General Maan condemned the attack, saying, “We categorically reject such actions.”
“We consider the flag of the Kurdistan Region to be our flag, and this type of behavior is not allowed in any way, shape, or form,” he affirmed.
The head of the Security Media Cell further noted that security services “will launch an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident as quickly as possible” and emphasized, “We will not allow the recurrence of such actions in the future.”
Major General Saad Maan, head of Iraq's Security Media Cell, stated that security authorities will conduct an investigation “as quickly as possible” into the incident.
The video submitted to Rudaw shows an Iraqi security officer attacking a Kurdish youth with an AK-47 rifle in the disputed district of Tuz Khurmatu, south of Kirkuk. Eyewitnesses said the assault occurred after the young man was reportedly seen displaying the Kurdistan flag.
A Kurdish youth in the disputed Tuz Khurmatu region, south of Kirkuk, was reportedly beaten by Iraqi security forces for carrying the Kurdistan flag - marking the fourth such incident reported on election day. #IraqVotes2025
— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) November 11, 2025
📹: Hozan Jassim/Submitted pic.twitter.com/zMZG6KbQVW
Major General Maan condemned the attack, saying, “We categorically reject such actions.”
“We consider the flag of the Kurdistan Region to be our flag, and this type of behavior is not allowed in any way, shape, or form,” he affirmed.
The head of the Security Media Cell further noted that security services “will launch an investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident as quickly as possible” and emphasized, “We will not allow the recurrence of such actions in the future.”