Baghdad 16 Oct (ANA) - Clashes have been reported between Iraqi and Kurdish forces after Baghdad sent troops towards disputed areas held by the Kurds in Kirkuk province. State TV said government forces had taken control of some areas, including oil fields, "without fighting". But Kurdish officials denied this. An exchange of artillery fire is said to have occurred south of Kirkuk city. The US government has said it is very concerned and urged dialogue "as the best option to defuse tensions". Tensions between Iraq's Arab-led central government and the autonomous Kurdistan Region intensified after people living in areas under its control voted overwhelmingly for independence in a referendum last month. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said the referendum was unconstitutional and demanded it be annulled. The Kurdistan Regional Government insisted it was legitimate and called for dialogue.FA/ANA/16 October 2017---------