The livestream of the battle for Mosul by CNN, Al Jazeera, Facebook and others made headlines this week, as people from all over the world were able to watch Daesh (ISIS)’s last stand in Iraq. Erbil-based Rudaw had a livestream too. And today, when Daesh militants attacked Kirkuk in an apparent bid to distract the Peshmerga (military of Iraqi Kurdistan) from Mosul, Rudaw again had a livefeed of the attack.
Livefeed broadcasting is changing the course of news, especially as it pertains to conflict. Journalists and viewers alike can now see war on their computer or cell phone. For one, it allows observers to verify other reports on conflicts.
Heavy gunfire can be heard on the livestream contradicting that situation is under control in #Kirkuk https://t.co/xJJZsIjIcZ
Several dozen militants attacked an oil wells and other sites in Kirkuk this morning. Some have since been killed by security forces and civilians.
Rudaw’s live updates and feed can be seen here.
Violence has dramatically dropped in Kirkuk since the Peshmerga took control of the city in 2014. Today’s events are a reminder that the city still faces threats.
