Kurdistan’s Interior Ministry Responds to Khabat Unrest Amid Regional Media Interference
The KRG Interior Ministry urged vigilance against misinformation and warned against destabilization attempts, vowing to maintain Kurdistan’s stability amid ongoing legal proceedings.
By Ahora Qadi
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Ministry of Interior of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) issued an official statement on Thursday, addressing the recent disturbances in the Khabat district of Erbil Province, which erupted due to a local land dispute.
Land Dispute Sparks Deadly Unrest
According to the ministry's clarification, tensions flared following a conflict between individuals over agricultural lands, leading to unfortunate casualties and property damage. “These events disrupted public order and regrettably resulted in the loss of lives and property,” the statement noted.
The ministry emphasized that swift action was taken. “Thanks to the coordinated efforts of government authorities, political representatives, and local security forces, the conflict was quickly identified and contained with the cooperation of the local population,” the statement said. Legal measures are now underway to resolve the dispute and hold those responsible accountable.
Government Urges Vigilance Against Misinformation
In its remarks, the Ministry called on Khabat’s residents to remain cautious of inflammatory rhetoric and external attempts to destabilize the region. “We urge citizens not to fall prey to malicious narratives or suspicious interventions. It is essential to continue adhering to security directives and help eliminate tensions to preserve stability,” the statement read.
“The peace and security of all areas in the Kurdistan Region remain a top priority. No individual or group will be permitted to foment unrest or instability under any pretext. Kurdistan will remain the most stable region in the area,” the ministry affirmed.
Iranian Media Narratives Draw Scrutiny
The statement comes amid a surge of misleading reports from Iranian state-affiliated and unofficial media outlets, which sought to portray the Khabat incident as a revolutionary uprising against the Kurdistan Region’s authorities.
In coverage that diverged significantly from the facts on the ground, these outlets not only exaggerated the scope of the incident but also suggested readiness by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) to respond near Kurdistan Region borders—an assertion that has raised concern over direct interference in the internal affairs of the region.
Analysts note that such portrayals contradict the tone of recent official discussions between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the KRG, where mutual interests and non-intervention were emphasized. The irresponsible narrative adopted by some Iranian media outlets is viewed as an attempt to distort the reality and sow discord at a sensitive regional juncture.
