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Several killed as Takfiri infighting erupts in Iraq

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Fierce infighting between Takfiri groups in the northern Iraqi province of Kirkuk has left more than 17 al-Qaeda-linked militants dead.

Some media outlets reported on Saturday that the infighting has already claimed 17 lives in Kirkuk Province.

They added that clashes erupted between militants from the so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and the Army of the Men of the Naqshbandiyah Order (JRTN).

According to officials, the fighting broke out after JRTN refused an ISIL demand to pledge allegiance to the terrorist group. But witnesses say the two sides fought over the takeover of fuel tankers in the area.

Clashes between the militant groups still continue despite an order by senior al-Qaeda leaders to stop the infighting.

Meanwhile, a military parade has been held in Baghdad in solidarity with the Iraqi army which is engaged in heavy fighting against the terrorist group, ISIL. The parade was called by top Iraqi cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr.

The cleric has urged his supporters across the country to enhance unity among the Iraqi people. Tens of thousands of volunteers have so far joined the Iraqi troops who are engaged in a fierce battle against militants in northern and northwestern areas.

Days ago, Iraq’s top Shia cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, called for the people to join the battle and defend the country. Iraqi media say more than two million people have so far voiced their readiness to join the fight.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has repeatedly blamed Saudi Arabia and Qatar for the security crisis and growing terrorism in his country, and denounced the Al Saud regime as a major supporter of global terrorism.

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