Kurdistan Region Presidency Calls for Rule of Law Amid Deadly Clashes in Sulaimani
The statement also underscored that all tensions and disputes should be resolved through legal means and non-violent.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Region Presidency issued a statement on Friday regarding the situation in Sulaimani, emphasizing the importance of the rule of law and the protection of security and peace in the city, as well as safeguarding citizens' homes.
“Following the unfortunate incident in Sulaimani this morning, which sadly resulted in several victims, we emphasize the need to uphold the rule of law and ensure the security and peace of the city while protecting the homes of its citizens,” the statement read.
The statement also underscored that all tensions and disputes should be resolved through legal means and non-violent.
Additionally, the Kurdistan Region Presidency extended its condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
The statement followed several hours of clashes near the Lalazar Hotel between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) forces and fighters loyal to Lahur Sheikh Jangi. The confrontations resulted in the arrest of Sheikh Jangi and his two brothers, Polad and Aras.
The confrontation began Thursday evening after judicial and police authorities confirmed that an arrest warrant had been issued for Lahur Sheikh Jangi and several others. The warrant, authorized by the Sulaimani Provincial Asayish (Security) Directorate, was based on Article 56 of the amended Iraqi Penal Code, which pertains to criminal agreements and acts that harm public security.
Following the legal directive, a large contingent of PUK forces, equipped with tanks and armored vehicles, mobilized after midnight and moved towards the Sarchnar neighborhood, where the Lalezar Hotel is located. The area's electricity was cut, and the streets of Sulaimani were largely deserted as the city braced for a confrontation.
In response to the violence, Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called for calm and urged all sides to exercise restraint. He warned that the unrest in Sulaimani threatened the stability and security of the Kurdistan Region, emphasizing that disputes should be resolved through legal means.
Read More: PM Barzani Calls for Restraint as Tensions Escalate in Sulaimani
Lahur Sheikh Jangi previously served as co-president of the PUK alongside his cousin Bafel Talabani. However, internal power struggles within the party escalated in July 2021, when Bafel ordered the closure of a media outlet linked to Lahur and dismissed several key commanders in both the counter-terrorism and intelligence agencies who were seen as his allies. Shortly after, Bafel declared himself the sole leader of the PUK.
In November of the same year, Lahur was formally expelled from the party, along with several of his supporters, thereby consolidating Bafel’s control over both the party and its financial assets.
Since then, Lahur Sheikh Jangi has pursued his own political path, founding the People’s Front, a new party officially licensed by the Kurdistan Region’s Interior Ministry on Jan. 17, 2024. The movement has attracted several former PUK members loyal to Lahur’s faction.
