Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi on Wednesday ordered the withdrawal of all armed groups in Kirkuk, including the Popular Mobilization Militias, and the handover of security to local police and counter-terrorism units only.

Al-Abadi confirmed in a statement that “security in Kirkuk is under the control of the local police with the support of counter-terrorism units".

In his statement, Abadi, ordered the prevention of any armed group presence in the province and to pursue elements that spread hatred and racism amongst the people.

Popular militia groups have been widely deployed in the city over the past two days, raising concerns among the Kurds.