PKK-trained operatives behind market fires in Erbil, Duhok, Kirkuk: investigations revealed

Mirani emphasized, "The aim of this terrorist group was to undermine public security and disrupt the peace in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq."

Hemn Mirani, Director General of Diwan at the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Interior. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)
Hemn Mirani, Director General of Diwan at the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Interior. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - In a press conference held jointly in Baghdad, Hemn Mirani, Director General of Diwan at the Kurdistan Region's Ministry of Interior, alongside Brigadier General Miqdad Miri of the Iraqi Interior Ministry, disclosed crucial details regarding recent market fires in Erbil, Duhok, and Kirkuk.

Mirani revealed that two perpetrators, identified as Hunar Fakhraddin Ahmad, a member of the Peshmerga’s 70th Unit in Sulaimani, and Mohammed Najat Hassan, a Sulaimani-based counter-terrorism officer, were trained by PKK operatives to execute these acts of terrorism.

The three perpetrators of the arsons in the Kurdistan Region were revealed during the joint press conference. (Photo: Kurdistan24)
The three perpetrators of the arsons in the Kurdistan Region were revealed during the joint press conference. (Photo: Kurdistan24)

 

"The investigation and apprehension of these criminals have been a collaborative effort between Erbil and Baghdad," stated Mirani, highlighting the coordinated response to the incidents which targeted markets in Erbil's Langa and Qaisary districts, as well as the Chale market in Duhok.

Mirani emphasized, "The aim of this terrorist group was to undermine public security and disrupt the peace in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq."

He further elaborated that extensive investigations conducted jointly by Iraqi and Kurdistan Regional Governments, under the direct oversight of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani and Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, conclusively attributed the fires to a deliberate sabotage aimed at destabilizing economic activities and inciting public unrest.

"The PKK's involvement in orchestrating these attacks has been confirmed through the confessions obtained during our investigations," declared Mirani, underscoring the gravity of the group's intentions to inflict economic harm and sow discord among citizens and authorities alike.

Mirani urged affected citizens to register their grievances at local police stations and courts, assuring that justice would be served.

He concluded, "As we bring these criminals to account, we remain committed to rooting out all individuals and groups behind such acts of terrorism that threaten the wellbeing and stability of our region and cities."