Erbil, Kurdistan Region – The Kurdistan Region Presidency issued a statement on Friday calling for calm and the adherence to legal processes following deadly clashes in Sulaimani that resulted in multiple casualties and the arrest of a prominent political figure.

The statement emphasized the critical need to maintain security and peace in the city while protecting citizens.

“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 presidency's release read. It further underscored that all tensions and disputes must be resolved through legal and non-violent means.

The Presidency also extended its condolences to the families of those killed and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

The appeal for calm came after several hours of armed confrontations near the Lalazar Hotel in the Sarchnar neighborhood. The clashes involved forces loyal to the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and fighters supporting Lahur Sheikh Jangi, a former senior PUK official.

The violence culminated in the arrest of Sheikh Jangi and his two brothers, Polad and Aras.

The confrontation began on 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. The area's electricity was cut, and the streets of Sulaimani were largely deserted as the city braced for a confrontation.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani also called for calm, urging all sides to exercise restraint. He warned that the unrest threatened the stability and security of the entire Kurdistan Region and emphasized that disputes should be resolved through legal channels.

Lahur Sheikh Jangi was previously the co-president of the PUK alongside his cousin, Bafel Talabani. However, a bitter internal power struggle culminated in July 2021 when Bafel Talabani moved to consolidate his control, dismissing key commanders allied with Lahur and declaring himself the sole leader of the party.

By November 2021, Lahur was formally expelled from the PUK along with several supporters.

Since his expulsion, Sheikh Jangi has pursued his own political path, founding the People’s Front. The new party was officially licensed by the Kurdistan Region’s Interior Ministry on Jan. 17, 2024, and has attracted several former PUK members loyal to his faction.