Iraq — Disputed Areas Displacement Overview (22 October 2017)

IOM's Displacement Tracking Matrix has been monitoring displacement due to tensions over the Kurdish referendum crisis since the vote took place on 25 September. Major displacement movements have been observed since 15 October, when Iraqi security forces began moving into areas that had been held by Kurdish forces. These areas included parts of Ninewa, Diyala, Salah al-Din and Erbil governorates. As of 22 October 2017, a total of 135,660 individuals were displaced since the disputed areas bordering the KRI were handed over from the Kurdish Peshmerga to the Iraqi security forces on 15 October 2017. An estimated 50,000 returnees have returned to Kirkuk City.