Local reports indicate that at least six people in Daquq district of Kirkuk province have suffered serious injuries in the past two weeks due to attacks by wild pigs.
Residents have noticed a significant increase in the pig population compared to previous years, posing a growing threat, especially to villagers.
On Monday (November 24), Nebras Hilal, a 14-year-old shepherd, was severely injured when a group of pigs attacked him near the village of Tal Basala, south of Daquq.
"I heard loud noises near the Rokhana stream," Nebras recounted. "Suddenly, a large group of pigs emerged from the water. There were too many of them, and I couldn't escape."
He sustained two major injuries and over 40 sutures.
"Within the last two weeks, six individuals have been injured, with two in critical condition, including a woman who was transferred to hospitals in Kirkuk for surgery," stated Mohammed Salman, deputy director of Daquq Hospital, in an interview with Kirkuk Now.
Villagers believe that the increase in pig numbers is due to the recent depopulation of rural areas.
"Pig attacks are incredibly dangerous. Sometimes, a group can consist of up to 50 animals," said Azad Mohammed, a resident of Kuli Tapa village.
According to Azad, the decrease in human activity and abandonment of several villages, particularly in southern and southwestern Daquq, have created ideal conditions for pigs to thrive and multiply. He mentioned that pigs tend to congregate in areas with grassland, streams, and water sources.
Daquq is situated 44 km south of central Kirkuk and is home to Kurdish, Turkmen, and Arab communities.
Kirkuk Province consists of four districts, its area is 9,600 square kilometers, and its population is estimated at more than 1.7 million people. Kirkuk is a disputed area between the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government KRG, and its fate to be determined within the framework of Article 140 of the Iraqi constitution.
