Washington Opposes Violence, Urges 'Parties to Show Restraint' in Sulaimani

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The United States has called for restraint from all parties following deadly clashes in Sulaimani, opposing any violence that threatens public safety, while confirming that its military presence in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region (IKR) remains unchanged.

In an exclusive statement to the head of Kurdistan24's Washington office, Rahim Rashidi (Mr. Kurd), a U.S. State Department Spokesperson addressed the recent turmoil.

"The United States opposes any violence that threatens public safety and stability. We urge all parties to show restraint," the spokesperson stated. Crucially, the statement sought to quell any speculation about a shift in regional security posture, adding, "There is no change to the U.S. presence in the IKR. As always, the Department continues to monitor regional events."

The statement from Washington comes in the wake of a large-scale security operation in Sulaimani on Thursday night and Friday morning which resulted in several casualties and drew widespread concern.

The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister's Office has since identified the deadly clashes in the city's Lalazar area as a conflict "carried out by the forces of the PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan)" against the People's Front party.

In an official communication released on Friday, the Prime Minister's Office expressed deep sadness over the events and asserted that the Presidency of the Regional Government was unaware of the operation "until the final moments of the siege and attack."

The statement noted that the Prime Minister had made "significant efforts to prevent the conflict and confrontation from occurring," but the attack was ultimately carried out. "We are very concerned and saddened by this event," the communication read, emphasizing, "Now, the law must replace partisan decisions and violence, and conflict and unrest must no longer endanger the stability of the Kurdistan Region."

The violent confrontation centered on the Lalezar Hotel, which had been serving as the headquarters for Lahur Sheikh Jangi, the former PUK co-leader who now leads the People's Front. Following hours of heavy fighting between PUK forces and fighters loyal to him, both Lahur Sheikh Jangi and his brother Polad were arrested. Dr. Hirsh Saeed, Deputy Director General of Health in Sulaimani, confirmed to Kurdistan24 that the clashes left three people dead and 19 injured, all of whom were members of the PUK forces. He noted that all the injured were in stable condition and that no civilians were among the casualties.

Officials have stated that the operation was based on a judicial order. The Sulaimani Court announced that an arrest warrant had been issued for Lahur Sheikh Jangi and several others under Article 56 of the amended Iraqi Penal Code, related to criminal agreements and acts harming public security. Court spokesperson Salah Hassan explained to Kurdistan24 that due to the fatalities and injuries, the investigation will now also proceed under Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code, which pertains to murder. Hassan stressed that all defendants retain the right to appeal and appoint legal representation.

The security operation, which reportedly involved tanks and armored vehicles, prompted immediate reactions. Prior to the State Department’s direct statement to Kurdistan24, the United States Mission to Iraq had already issued a call for restraint. The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) voiced its concern and urged that judicial processes be conducted fairly, while neighboring Türkiye announced it was monitoring the developments.

Domestically, the Independent Human Rights Commission in the Kurdistan Region sharply condemned the methods used, characterizing the deployment of counter-terrorism forces and heavy weaponry as an inappropriate "military display" that instilled fear in the public.

The commission noted a critical procedural flaw, stating that the police, not counter-terrorism units, should be the implementing force for an arrest warrant.

The Kurdistan Region Presidency also issued a statement reinforcing the need to uphold the rule of law and resolve all disputes through legal channels. The events represent a significant escalation in a long-running power struggle within the PUK, which saw Lahur Sheikh Jangi formally expelled in November 2021 after his cousin, Bafel Talabani, consolidated control of the party.

Head of Kurdistan24's Office in Washington, Rahim Rashidi (Mr. Kurd), contributed to this report.