PM Barzani: Lalazar Attack Was a PUK-People’s Front Conflict, KRG Presidency Not Informed

Peregraf 

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Friday voiced deep concern over the deadly clashes in Sulaymaniyah that led to the arrest of opposition leader Lahur Sheikh Jangi, stressing that the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) had no role in authorizing the raid.

In a statement, Barzani’s office said the attack on the Lalazar Hotel — which served as Sheikh Jangi’s headquarters — “was carried out by PUK forces and was a problem between the PUK and the People’s Front.” It further underlined that “the KRG Presidency was not aware of the siege and attack until the last moments,” despite attempts by the prime minister to prevent violence.

“We are very concerned about this incident,” the statement read. “Now, the law should replace party decisions and violence and no longer endanger the stability of the Kurdistan Region.”

The overnight clashes broke out when units of the Asayish, Counter-Terrorism Group, and Commando forces surrounded the hotel to execute arrest warrants issued under Article 56 of Iraq’s Penal Code, which covers conspiracies against state security. Instead of surrendering, Sheikh Jangi’s loyalists — members of the Scorpion Force militia — resisted the operation.

For more than three hours, heavy gunfire and explosions rocked the area, leaving at least four people dead, including three members of the security forces and one fighter loyal to Sheikh Jangi. Dozens more were wounded, vehicles were set on fire, and nearby homes and businesses suffered significant damage. By morning, Sheikh Jangi, his brothers, and senior aides had been taken into custody.

The clashes sparked appeals for calm from Kurdish officials. Sulaymaniyah’s governor, Haval Abubakir, said violence only deepens divisions. “Clashes and confrontations do not resolve any issue,” he warned.

The People’s Front condemned the raid as a politically motivated assault, accusing PUK leader Bafel Talabani of bearing responsibility for the safety of Sheikh Jangi and his loyalists. The group called on international actors, Baghdad, and the KRG to intervene.

Barzani emphasized that safeguarding stability is paramount and warned against future confrontations. His statement underscored growing rifts within Kurdish politics, as the arrest of Sheikh Jangi — once a co-president of the PUK — marks the most serious escalation in his power struggle with the Talabani-led leadership since their split in 2021.