01
Dec 2025
15:06 UTC
Iraq Alert: Civil unrest ongoing in Erbil’s Khabat, prompting closures on Mosul-Erbil Road during afternoon hours on December 1; avoid nonessential travel
Current Situation:
- Reports indicate that during the afternoon hours (local time) of December 1, members of the Herki clan had begun to mobilize in Erbil governorate’s Khabat and are blocking parts of the Mosul-Erbil road while burning tires.
- Reports indicate that tribes have reportedly mobilized in anticipation of clashes with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) security forces due to ongoing civil unrest over the displacement of villagers from Lajan, near the Lanaz oil refinery.
- Footage indicates individuals mobilizing with small arms in the area.
- Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) security forces have reportedly deployed reinforcements to the area to maintain order.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in KRG-administered areas are advised to avoid all nonessential travel to Erbil’s Khabat in the coming hours of December 1 due to the risk of escalation between KRG security forces and members of the Herki tribe.
- Avoid nonessential travel along the Mosul-Erbil Road due to the risk of continued civil unrest and disruptions to traffic.
- Maintain heightened vigilance in the cities of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah while adhering to security precautions regarding protest activity and militant attacks.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
High
AFFECTED AREA
Erbil Governorate; Iraq
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Current Situation:
- Reports indicate that during the afternoon hours (local time) of December 1, members of the Herki clan had begun to mobilize in Erbil governorate’s Khabat and are blocking parts of the Mosul-Erbil road while burning tires.
- Reports indicate that tribes have reportedly mobilized in anticipation of clashes with Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) security forces due to ongoing civil unrest over the displacement of villagers from Lajan, near the Lanaz oil refinery.
- Footage indicates individuals mobilizing with small arms in the area.
- Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) security forces have reportedly deployed reinforcements to the area to maintain order.
Recommendations
- Those operating or residing in KRG-administered areas are advised to avoid all nonessential travel to Erbil’s Khabat in the coming hours of December 1 due to the risk of escalation between KRG security forces and members of the Herki tribe.
- Avoid nonessential travel along the Mosul-Erbil Road due to the risk of continued civil unrest and disruptions to traffic.
- Maintain heightened vigilance in the cities of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah while adhering to security precautions regarding protest activity and militant attacks.
COUNTRY RISK LEVEL
High
AFFECTED AREA
Erbil Governorate; Iraq
INCIDENT RISK LEVEL
High
STRENGTH OF SOURCE
Credible
Related Reports
Iraq
-
Civil UnrestIraq Alert: Armed clashes between KRG security forces, Herki tribe members occur on November 29 outside Erbil Province’s Lanaz Refinery; risk of violence in area to persist in coming days -
Air StrikeIraq Alert: UAV strike impacts Sulaymaniyah’s Khor Mor gas field in KRG, causing explosion, power outages on November 26-27; underscores site as target for Iran-backed factions -
Armed ConflictIsrael & Palestinian Territories Alert: Hamas reportedly violates ceasefire with attack in southern Gaza, triggering Israeli airstrikes on October 19; continue avoiding all travel to Gaza, monitor developments -
MaritimeMENA Alert: UKMTO reports attack against vessel east of Aden during afternoon hours on October 18; avoid all travel to area
Related Reports
Iraq
-
Civil UnrestIraq Alert: Armed clashes between KRG security forces, Herki tribe members occur on November 29 outside Erbil Province’s Lanaz Refinery; risk of violence in area to persist in coming days
-
Air StrikeIraq Alert: UAV strike impacts Sulaymaniyah’s Khor Mor gas field in KRG, causing explosion, power outages on November 26-27; underscores site as target for Iran-backed factions
-
Armed ConflictIsrael & Palestinian Territories Alert: Hamas reportedly violates ceasefire with attack in southern Gaza, triggering Israeli airstrikes on October 19; continue avoiding all travel to Gaza, monitor developments
-
MaritimeMENA Alert: UKMTO reports attack against vessel east of Aden during afternoon hours on October 18; avoid all travel to area