Sulaymaniyah Security Source Denies Missing American in Lalazar Conflict, Confirms Arrests
Peregraf
A high-ranking security source in Sulaymaniyah has denied reports that an American citizen went missing during the recent Lalazar conflict, telling Peregraf that the individual "has been arrested, their case is legal, and the American consulate in Erbil is aware."
The man, a former U.S. soldier, was likely present in Lalazar to train the Scorpion forces loyal to Lahur Sheikh Jangi.
The source also dismissed speculation about Ukrainian involvement, stressing: "No Ukrainian individuals have been arrested."
Regarding rumors of additional deaths and missing persons, the security source clarified that all those present at the Lalazar Hotel clash were arrested and remain in Asayish custody. Families have been permitted to visit them. "The claim of more deaths beyond the five already confirmed is not true," he said. Authorities previously announced that three members of the security forces and two Lalazar militants were killed in the August 22 confrontation.
According to official statistics, 162 individuals were detained, including Lahur Sheikh Jangi, his brother Polad, and Rebwar Hamid Haji Ghali, commander of the Scorpion forces. A Sulaymaniyah security source had earlier indicated that most detainees would be released in the coming days after signing pledges.
Ukraine Denies Involvement
On Thursday, the Embassy of Ukraine in Iraq strongly rejected claims that Ukrainian citizens had trained militants or produced drones for illegal purposes. Calling the reports "blatant disinformation," the embassy urged Iraqi and Kurdish media outlets to rely on verified sources.
The denial followed the release of videos by Sulaymaniyah’s Asayish showing detainees claiming to have received drone training in Ukraine — allegations Kyiv categorically dismissed as fabricated.
Arrest Warrants and Assassination Allegations
Meanwhile, Asayish has issued arrest warrants for Lahur Sheikh Jangi, head of the opposition People’s Front and former PUK co-president, and Azhi Amin, chief of the Kurdistan Regional Security Council in Erbil and former intelligence chief of the Zanyari Agency. The warrants accuse them of plotting to destabilize Sulaymaniyah, including an alleged assassination attempt on current PUK leader Bafel Talabani.
Asayish said two suspects were detained while monitoring Talabani’s movements, equipped with sniper rifles and suicide drones. Authorities alleged that the operation was "supervised by Lahur Sheikh Jangi."
Security officials confirmed that Azhi Amin faces two separate warrants issued under Iraq’s Penal Code — Article 406 (premeditated murder) and Article 56 (conspiracy against state security). He is accused of taking part in the Lalazar fighting, killing civilians, and attempting acts of terrorism.
Earlier this week, the Independent Human Rights Commission in the Kurdistan Region (IHRCR) visited detainees, including Jangi. He denied reports of torture or coerced confessions, stating he was being held in good health, in a private room, and allowed family contact.
"Since my transfer to Asayish prison in Kani Goma, I have not been subjected to violence or forced to confess," Jangi told the delegation, adding that he had previously warned international representatives of the risk of clashes.
The August 22 violence erupted when security forces moved to arrest Jangi at his headquarters in the Lalazar Hotel. His loyalists, known as the Scorpion Force, resisted, sparking hours of heavy fighting in the heart of Sulaymaniyah.