Oct 9, 2000

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — Soccer fans burned cars and looted shops and offices near the
Turkish border in northern Iraq after being attacked by supporters of a rival team, an official
said Monday.

No serious injuries were reported. But the riots prompted Turkey to temporarily bar Turkish
trucks from crossing into the Kurdish-controlled enclave. Scores of Turkish trucks cross the
border daily to carry back diesel fuel — a trade that is illegal but overlooked by officials.

Zakhu fans, apparently not satisfied with a local official's promise to take action against rival
Duhok fans, went on a rampage near the border crossing with Turkey Sunday, setting cars
ablaze, firing automatic rifles and looting several stores and offices.

Safeen Dizayee, representative of one of the two Kurdish factions which run the autonomous
enclave, said the riots erupted after Dahuk supporters beat up several Zakhu fans Friday
following a brawl between players from the two teams.

At least 15 people were injured in that fighting and police arrested 20 people.

"It was pure (soccer) hooliganism,'' Dizayee said, adding that calm had been restored to the
area.

Northern Iraq has been plagued by clashes between two Kurdish factions jockeying for
control of the zone since it was set up by the Western allies in 1991 after Iraqi troops put
down a Kurdish revolt.

Zakhu is just south of the Turkish border and Dahuk is some 50 kilometers (30 miles)
further south.
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The Kurdistan Observer
www.kurdistanobserver.com

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