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Iraq's Kurdistan violence kills 3 security personnel amid political tensions

Iran Press TV

Friday, 22 August 2025 5:34 PM

Intense clashes erupted in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdish region following the arrest of an opposition figure, resulting in the deaths of three security personnel and injuries to 19 others in the northern city of Sulaymaniyah.

Security forces on Friday detained Lahur Sheikh Jangi Talabani, a former member of one of the ruling parties in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), at a local hotel after violent overnight confrontations with his supporters.

Talabani's brothers Poland and Aso were also arrested, along with a number of his guards.

In a statement, Kurdistan security authorities said the clashes lasted for more than three hours leaving three members of the security forces dead and 19 others wounded. It confirmed the arrest of Talabani and several others, describing them as "outlaws."

According to a senior adviser to the Kurdistan region's President Nechirvan Barzani, Talabani's arrest was related to a power struggle within the ruling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party (PUK), particularly with his cousin Bafel Talabani, who consolidated control over the party in 2021.

Talabani, who is now a leader of the opposition People's Front party, may face "political isolation, the dismantling of his forces and potentially being expelled from Kurdistan", the adviser told The National.

Sulaymaniyah court issued a warrant against Talabani and several others based on charges of "conspiracy aimed at destabilizing security and stability," under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code.

Earlier on Friday, the Prime Minister of the KRG, Masrour Barzani, said the Sulaymaniyah clashes were "targeting the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region."

"Any issues or grievances must be addressed through legal means," Barzani said in a statement.

Iraq's federal government in Baghdad called the events in Sulaymaniyah "unfortunate", warning that the rule of law must be respected.

The authorities need to "take legal and judicial action in accordance with the provisions of the constitution, and in a manner consistent with the principles of justice and the rule of law," Sabah Al Numan, spokesman for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces said.

He also stressed the "importance of implementing these measures with complete impartiality and transparency, away from any armed manifestations or attempts to intimidate citizens."

Talabani is the second opposition figure to be arrested in Sulaymaniyah in less than two weeks.

On August 12, Shaswar Abdulwahid, the leader of New Generation party, which holds 15 of the 100 seats in the Kurdistan parliament, was detained after being convicted in a defamation case filed by a former member of parliament.