Gunmen attack Iraqi intelligence office in Kirkuk

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Gunmen attacked the office of the Iraqi directorate for counter-terrorism and intelligence in Kirkuk on Monday morning, security sources told a Rudaw reporter. 

According to the source, three gunmen reportedly attacked the building in Qadisya neighbourhood,where two blew themselves up. One gunman reportedly managed to enter the building. Shooting ensued between the gunman and security forces, lasting around five minutes.  

A statement from Iraq's security media cell confirmed that two people were injured after one of the gunmen detonated a suicide vest.  

While no one has claimed responsibility for the attack, the Islamic State group (ISIS) has sharply increased its insurgent attacks in recent weeks, launching offensives on Iraqi security forces and Kurdish Peshmerga in the disputed territories, including in Kirkuk.  

This is reported to be the fourth attack in Kirkuk in less than a month, three of which have been claimed by the Islamic State. 

An Iraqi policeman was killed in an ISIS attack in Miriam Bag, Kirkuk province on April 20. 

Updated at 3.29pm