These two cities lie in an oil-rich region contested by Baghdad and Iraqi Kurdistan. Last month, they came under attackduring a pair of 2012′s bloodiest days. However, on those two days, Shi’ites locations were targeted. Meanwhile, Turkey continuedits military operations against Kurdish rebel sites in sparsely populated areas.

At least 26 people were killed and over 200 more were wounded in a double bombing during rush hour this morning on Atlas Street in Kirkuk. In the graver attack, a suicide bomber blew up his car outside the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.