Bafel Talabani's Security Raid on NGOs in Sulaymaniyah

[Anthea]

Kurdistan's Lahur Sheikh Jangi
arrested in Sulaymaniyah

Iraqi forces detained Lahur Sheikh Jangi after a raid in Sulaymaniyah, sparking political tensions as relatives and parties warn against escalation

Iraqi security forces have arrested Lahur Sheikh Jangi, leader of the People’s Front party, along with two of his brothers, following a raid on his residence at the Laleh Zar Hotel in Sulaymaniyah, northern Iraq, local media reported.

Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Baghdad said that Sheikh Jangi and several family members were taken into custody. Security forces were heavily deployed across Sulaymaniyah’s main entry points after a warrant was issued for his arrest, leading to intense clashes before his detention.

The Sulaymaniyah Security Investigation Court had earlier issued an arrest warrant against Sheikh Jangi under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code, citing charges related to security and public order violations.

Before his arrest, Sheikh Jangi said the move was “politically motivated rather than judicial.” He accused members of what he described as “corrupt parties” of interfering in government affairs in border areas, while authorities, he claimed, had failed to address this interference.

Reactions from relatives, political figures

His party denied receiving any official notice of the arrest warrant. His brother Aras stated that any disputes “should not be settled through force,” assuring residents of Sulaymaniyah that no action would be taken to destabilise the city.

He further insisted that no official court order for the arrest existed and called for disputes between Bafel Talabani and Sheikh Jangi to be resolved through dialogue rather than military confrontation, warning that escalation could spread to other areas.

Kurdish media also reported that leaders within Iraq’s Coordination Framework bloc had contacted Bafel Talabani, urging him to help maintain stability in Sulaymaniyah.

Lahur Sheikh Jangi, born in 1975, is one of the most prominent and popular Kurdish political figures in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. He previously served as co-president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) alongside the traitor Bafel Talabani, son of late Iraqi President Jalal Talabani.

Following internal disputes, Sheikh Jangi was pushed out of the PUK following a coup by Bafel Talabani, and founded the People’s Front party, which secured two seats in the 2024 Kurdistan parliamentary elections.

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/pol ... niyah-afte

[Anthea]

Clashes Erupt in Sulaymaniyah as
Security Forces Arrest Lahur Sheikh Jangi

Following attempts by security forces in Sulaymaniyah to arrest Lahur Sheikh Jangi, leader of the People’s Front, clashes broke out between security forces and the politician’s personal guards, resulting in casualties

Early Friday morning, security forces affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) raided the Lalazar Hotel, where Lahur Sheikh Jangi and his aides were residing. After several hours of armed clashes, security forces arrested Jangi and his brother.

Following the arrest, fighting in Sulaymaniyah subsided and the situation calmed, though security forces remained stationed around the Lalazar Hotel and its surroundings.

PUK forces restricted civilian access near the hotel, where smoke was seen rising in the sky. PUK leader Bafel Talabani later visited the site, but media outlets were not permitted to cover the visit.

Sources added that several of Lahur Sheikh Jangi’s guards were arrested while others surrendered. Rebwar Hamid Haji Ghali, head of the force, was also arrested.

According to preliminary reports, two PUK security members were killed and 15 others wounded in the clashes. Casualties among Lahur Sheikh Jangi’s side have not yet been confirmed.

Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani, in a statement, said that the tensions and clashes in Sulaymaniyah threaten the security and stability of the Kurdistan Region.

PM Barzani called on all parties to exercise restraint, end the clashes immediately, and avoid making the youth of the country victims, stressing that any problems and disputes should be resolved through legal means.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/892640

PLEASE arrest the traitor Bafel Talabani

[Anthea]

International Community Voices
Concern Over Clashes

The United Nations, the United States, and the United Kingdom have expressed deep concern over the deadly clashes in Sulaymaniyah province, urging all parties to exercise restraint and uphold the rule of law

In a statement on Friday, the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) said it “regrets the loss of life and injuries resulting from the recent clashes” and called on all sides to avoid actions that could endanger civilians. UNAMI also stressed the importance of respecting human rights and ensuring “a fair and impartial judicial process in line with the provisions of the Constitution.”

The US Embassy in Baghdad likewise issued a statement, saying it is closely monitoring the situation. “We oppose any violence that threatens public safety and stability and urge all parties to show restraint,” the embassy said.

Meanwhile, the UK Consulate General in Erbil expressed condolences to the families of those killed and injured, describing the loss of life as deeply concerning. “The UK urges the relevant authorities to ensure that due process is followed, including applying principles of transparent and fair justice,” the consulate said, adding that it will continue to follow developments closely.

Early Friday morning, security forces affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) raided the Lalazar Hotel, where Lahur Sheikh Jangi and his aides were residing. After several hours of armed clashes, security forces arrested Jangi and his brother. Following the arrests, the fighting subsided and the situation largely calmed, although security forces remained stationed around the hotel and its surroundings.

According to media reports, seven people from both sides were killed in the clashes and 35 others wounded.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/892668

The International community showed no interest when over 90% of Kurds in South Kurdistan voted for INDEPENDENCE

The International community showed no interest when the traitor Bafel Talabani committed TREASON and gave away part of Kurdistan to Iraq

The International community showed no interest when the traitor Bafel Talabani held a coup to illegally remove Lahur Sheikh Jangi from joint leadership of PUK, Even thought Lahur asked International community for help to be re-instated

We all know that the traitor Bafel Talabani was involved in some dodgy deals with Iraq or he would never have won so many seats in the election

We all know that the traitor Bafel Talabani had the PUK threaten voters but they were to frightened of Bafel Talabani

[Anthea]

Heavy military used in arrest of Lahur Talabany

Aras Sheikh Jangi, brother of jailed People's Front (Baray Gal) leader Lahur Talabany told Rudaw on Saturday that more than 120 drones, 150 armored vehicles, and nine tanks were used by Sulaimani security forces in the dramatic Friday attack to arrest the party's leader

In the early hours of Friday, clashes erupted between the security forces and Talabany's armed men after the opposition leader refused to surrender. Three members of security forces were killed, and 19 others were injured, according to local security forces. Rudaw has learned that one of the loyalists of Talabany was also killed.

Talabany, two of his brothers, and an unconfirmed number of others were arrested. The charges against him are related to criminal conspiracy under article 56 of the Iraqi penal code which was the original cause of arrest. Details of a second murder-related charge emerged after his arrest.

Jangi claimed that the number of casualties is higher than what has been reported and announced.

"The number of the casualties is higher than what is being said. Some of the fighters [men loyal to Talabany] were hit by drones and burned," he claimed

Jangi added after four hours of deadly clashes, Talabany decided to surrender to the security forces "to avoid more bloodshed" after he contacted a security official.

"He wanted to avoid more bloodshed and more deaths, so he contacted a security official and then he surrendered," he said.

Jangi, who is the eldest brother of Talabany, added the jailed leader's wife and children were not home during the skirmish.

He detailed that Talabany is in good health, and his brother Polad Talabany has been transferred to prison after receiving treatments for minor injuries he sustained during the Friday clashes.

Tensions have been high between cousins Bafel Talabani and Lahur Talabany since 2021 when traitor Bafel forced him out of the PUK leadership. Talabany went on to form his own party, Baray Gal, which stands in opposition to the PUK and currently holds two seats in the Kurdistan Parliament

Talabany's brother and his political party wants his case to be heard by a court in Baghdad because they doubt the impartiality of those in the Kurdistan Region.

"I think it is better for the case to be transferred to Baghdad, where we want him to be tried," Jangi said, adding they are currently on the line with British and US officials on the matter at hand.

Shadman Mala Hassan, a high-ranking member of Baray Gal, echoed Jangi's sentiment.

“The courts follow orders from leaders of political parties,” Hassan told Rudaw.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/230820252

[Anthea]

Lahur Talabany’s party wants
case transferred to Baghdad

The political party of Lahur Talabany wants his case to be heard by a court in Baghdad because they doubt the impartiality of those in the Kurdistan Region, a party member told Rudaw on Friday

The courts follow orders from leaders of political parties, including the traitor Bafel Talabani, who controls Sulaimani’s security forces and influences the courts of the Kurdistan Region

Talabany, two of his brothers, and an unconfirmed number of others were arrested after deadly clashes early Friday morning. The charges against him are related to criminal conspiracy under article 56 of the Iraqi penal code which was the original cause of arrest. Details of a second murder-related charge emerged after his arrest.

Tensions have been high between cousins Bafel Talabani and Lahur Talabany since 2021 when Bafel forced him out of the PUK leadership. Talabany went on to form his own party, Baray Gal, which stands in opposition to the PUK and currently holds two seats in the Kurdistan Parliament.

It is Bafel Talabani who should be in prison following
his illegal coup against his cousin Talabany 2021

Hassan said that they will try to have Talabany’s trial transferred to Baghdad in hopes of receiving a fair hearing. He added that the party will continue its work in the absence of their leader, including preparing for upcoming Iraqi parliamentary elections.

When asked about the arrest and clash on Friday that saw Sulaimani security forces driving armored cars and tanks through the city, Hassan said they “Did not expect an attack of this scale on our party.”

“We received many threats but we never expected tanks rolling in front of our building,” he said, but predicted that it would increase their popularity.

“Security forces took their orders from the [PUK] political party,” he said. “Legally they cannot send tanks and shoot the house of a member of parliament.”

Hassan said that Baray Gal and Talabany had no previous knowledge of an arrest warrant.

“They issued the warrant and moved forces to arrest him on the same day, so how can we trust the court process,” he said.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/23082025

[Anthea]

KDP Calls for Calm, Rule of Law
After Sulaymaniyah Clashes

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on Monday issued a formal call for calm, restraint, and adherence to the rule of law following a deadly clash in Sulaymaniyah last week that has heightened political tensions in the province

In a statement from its Political Bureau, the KDP expressed deep concern over the "consequences of the incident on August 22," which it said has caused "anxiety for the people of Sulaymaniyah and the entire Kurdistan Region."

The incident refers to a large-scale raid by PUK security forces on the Lalezar Hotel, the residence of rival political leader Lahur Jangi, which resulted in multiple casualties and arrests

Stressing that the Kurdistan Region is a "constitutional entity with legitimate and legal institutions," the KDP's statement emphasized the need to protect stability.

"We emphasize the rule of law and the protection of peace and stability in our dear city of Sulaymaniyah in particular, and our Region in general," the statement read.

The party strongly advocated for peaceful conflict resolution, warning against actions that could damage the Region's reputation.

"The resolution of differences and problems must be through dialogue and mutual understanding," it urged, adding that it does not "view favorably any action or reaction that has a negative impact on stability."

The KDP also made a direct appeal to all involved parties to de-escalate the situation.

"We call on all sides to practice restraint," the statement continued, adding that "any form of tension and media attacks does not serve the Kurdistan Region and must be stopped."

The statement concluded by offering condolences to the families of all victims and wishing a swift recovery to those injured in the clashes.

The incident referenced in the KDP's statement occurred in the early morning of Friday, August 22. A large security force affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), reportedly using tanks, armored vehicles, and air support, launched an assault on the Lalezar Hotel in Sulaymaniyah.

The hotel was the residence of Lahur Jangi, a former PUK co-leader who now heads the rival "People's Front."

The raid resulted in a deadly firefight. According to various sources, dozens were killed—including between 30 and 40 of Jangi's guards and associates, as well as three PUK security members

The operation concluded with the arrest of Lahur Jangi, his brother Polad, his sister Awat, and many of their supporters.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/892943

[Anthea]

Bafel Talabani Driving Sulaymaniyah
Toward Civil War

A senior leader of the “People’s Front” has accused Bafel Talabani's Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) of attempting to impose military control over Sulaymaniyah, warning that the province is on a “dangerous path toward civil war” following a large-scale operation that led to the arrest of the group’s leader, Lahur Jangi

In a statement to BasNews, Shaduman Mala Hassan claimed the PUK has opted to seize Sulaymaniyah by force.

“Bafel Talabani's PUK has decided to make Sulaymaniyah its own property,” he said. “Commando and Counter-Terrorism units are imposing military rule.”

Hassan accused the PUK of carrying out mass arrests targeting opposition figures, warning that such actions pose a serious threat to the future of Sulaymaniyah and the stability of the Kurdistan Region.

The accusations come after a major military-style raid on Friday, August 22, when heavily armed PUK forces stormed the Lalezar Hotel, the residence of Lahur Jangi.

According to reports, the operation involved tanks, armored vehicles, drones, and helicopters and resulted in intense clashes.

Sources indicate that between 30 and 40 members of Jangi’s security team and associates were killed in the fighting, while three PUK security (Asayish) personnel also lost their lives, and dozens were wounded

The raid concluded with the arrest of Lahur Jangi, his brother Polad, his sister Awat, and several others inside the hotel.

Hassan further alleged that the PUK is deliberately concealing the number and identities of those killed during the raid.

“The PUK is hiding the details of the Lalezar victims to pressure their families into saying that no one was killed,” he claimed.

The PUK has not yet issued an official response to these allegations.

Lahur Jangi, a former PUK co-chair and influential political figure, has been at odds with the party’s current leadership following an internal power struggle and illegal coup by Bafel Talabani in 2021.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/892921

[Anthea]

Lahur Jangi Reports Good Conditions

No Torture in Prison

In the first official visit since his high-profile arrest, Lahur Sheikh Jangi has told the Kurdistan Region's Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) that he is in good health and has not been subjected to torture or violence while in custody at the Kani Goma prison in Sulaymaniyah.

A high-level ICHR delegation visited Jangi and 162 of his detained guards on Tuesday, to assess their conditions following a deadly raid and clashes in Sulaymaniyah last week.

According to a statement from the ICHR, Jangi reported that he is being held in a private room where all his needs are met. He has been allowed video calls with his family and was provided with books upon request.

Crucially, Jangi stated that he has faced "no violence or torture" since his arrival at the Asayish (security) facility.

He also told the delegation that no forced confession was extracted from him and that there were no recording devices present during his interrogation.

This account stands in contrast to videos that circulated online allegedly showing detainees being abused shortly after their arrest, which prompted condemnation from the United Nations.

During the meeting, Jangi made two key demands: that his case proceed through proper legal channels and that the ICHR officially monitor the process

The commission affirmed his right to legal counsel and stated that arrangements for his lawyers to visit will be resolved "in the near future."

In a striking political claim, Jangi told the commission he had previously warned representatives from the United States, United Kingdom, France, and the Kurdistan Regional Government that the violent events leading to his arrest were going to happen.

The ICHR team also met with other detainees, who similarly reported good conditions and no mistreatment since being transferred to the facility. The commission confirmed that 162 individuals were detained and that security officials reported a death toll of five from both sides in the initial clashes.

The ICHR has also issued a public call for families of anyone still missing after the incident to contact its Sulaymaniyah office for assistance. The visit marks a critical step in verifying the treatment of the detainees and ensuring oversight of the ongoing legal process.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/893025

[Anthea]

Bafel Talabani's illegal coup to remove Lahur Sheikh Jangi

from his co-leadership role in PUK

A court in Kurdistan ruled that according to the PUK party's bylaws, Lahur still assumes his position as co-leadership of PUK

“By the court’s decision, all the political rights that Lahur had legitimately gained from the PUK’s fourth party Congress … have been returned to him,” Sheikh Jangi Talabany announced in a video recording and noted he would again act as “a PUK co-president”

His political comeback is not welcomed by “our friends,” Talabany said, he would work “separately” under the PUK banner.

A court in the Kurdistan Region ruled that according to the party's bylaws, Lahur still assumes his position, which had been acquired during the latest congress. The court decision was made following legal challenges Lahur faced by his rivals.

Unfortunately, the traitor Bafel Talabani did not allow Lahur to regain his legal position as co-leader of PUK and sort the support of his Iraqi friend to help suppress Lahur and has been trying to destroy Lahur ever since

[Anthea]

Plot to kill PUK leader
opposition calls it disgraceful

Sulaimani’s security forces or Asayish released “confessions” Wednesday from a group allegedly linked to Lahur Talabany, leader of the opposition People’s Front (Baray Gal), detailing a plot to assassinate Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), and attack his residence with drones. The People’s Front hours later denied the confessions as a “disgraceful scenario.”

Heavy gunfire erupted in western Sulaimani over the weekend as security forces surrounded the Lalezar Hotel to arrest Lahur Talabany following a court-issued warrant. Clashes began around 3 am and continued for nearly four hours before Talabany and his brothers were taken into custody.

One suspect identified as Rebwar Qudrat, the sniper, allegedly tasked with the assassination said in the “confession” video that they “took two snipers into one of the residential projects; the plan was to first kill Bafel Talabani, then attack Dabashan with drones.” Dabashan in northwest Sulaimani is where Bafel Talabani resides.

Qudrat was allegedly the sniper trainer of Lahur Talabany’s Dupishk (Scorpion) force.

The People’s Front slammed the “confessions” as fabricated.

“This disgraceful scenario cannot in any way cover up the great and disgusting crime against humanity of August 22,” read a statement from People’s Front.

In the statement it called upon the Kurdistan Region Presidency, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) and the Presidency of the High Judicial council to “stop this bad and disgusting situation.”

The Asayish alleged the plan was to shoot the PUK leader from a location Lahur Talabany had selected 600 to 700 meters away.

“He [Lahur Talabany] asked me to go to a place and measure the distance from there to Dabashan. I went and measured; the place was 600 to 700 meters away,” Qudrat said.

Qudrat said another sniper was to be used by Rebwar Hamid Haji Ghali, commander of Lahur Talabany’s Dupishk force.

Lahur Talabany, also known as Lahur Sheikh Jangi, was ousted as co-chair of the PUK by his cousins Bafel's illegal coup in 2021. The PUK is the ruling party in Sulaimani province. Talabany later formed the opposition party Baray Gal, which won two seats in last October’s Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections

According to the “confession” video, after the planned assassination, Azhi Amin’s forces, commanded by Polad Sheikh Jangi, were to advance on Dabashan, where Lahur Talabany would broadcast a statement in the name of the PUK. One suspect said they were told to “attack Dabashan with drones and have Lahur Sheikh Jangi read a statement.”

“They sent us to Ukraine to train on suicide drones. Later, at Hawraza Nafta on the [northeast] border of Erbil, Azhi Amin established a drone production facility. Some of the drones were later sent to Sulaimani,” the “confession” states.

Amin was a former chief of the PUK’s Zanyari Intelligence Service in Sulaimani province. He was appointed to lead the Zanyari Agency in July 2021 by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani but was removed seven months later amid internal tensions within the PUK.

According to a PUK edict, Amin was ousted from the party in August 2022 for violating party bylaws and acting against its interests.

Talabany’s brothers, Polad and Aso Sheikh Jangi, were also detained in Friday’s dramatic clashes.

Talabany is facing charges under Article 56 of the Iraqi penal code, which pertains to involvement in a criminal conspiracy defined as an agreement between two or more people to commit a felony or misdemeanor such as theft, fraud, or forgery.

Following the arrest, both Baray Gal and Lahur Talabany’s family accused the PUK leadership of using the courts and security forces in Sulaimani to suppress him and the party he leads.

https://www.rudaw.net/english/kurdistan/270820251

100% TRUE: BAFEL IS AN EVIL LYING TRAITOR WHO COMMITTED TREASON
BY GIVING KURDISH LAND TO IRAQ HE NOW WANTS TO DESTROY LAHUR

[Anthea]

Rivalry turns violent

Sheikh Jangi, once the well loved and highly respected co-president of the PUK, was forced out of the party four years ago with an illegal coup by Bafel Talabani in his greed to control of its leadership and security forces.

Bafel Talabani not only removed Sheikh Jangi, but he illegally removed many legally elected MPs.

The split marked one of the sharpest internal rifts in Kurdish politics in recent years, leaving Sulaymaniyah on edge as rival armed factions vied for influence.

After his expulsion, Sheikh Jangi established the People’s Front and later fielded candidates in the 2024 Kurdistan parliamentary elections. The party secured only two seats out of 100, a result he rejected as fraudulent.

I, also believe the election results to be fraudulent. We know the PUK were intimidating voters

Alongside his political movement, Sheikh Jangi formed the Scorpion Force, which he described as a defensive unit that he needed to protect himself from the traitor Bafel Talabani.

Bafel Talabani attack on Sheikh Jangi’s camp being the most direct confrontation yet between the 2 cousins

ANYONE HAVING ANY RECENT INFORMATION

PLEASE SHARE IT WITH US

[Anthea]

PUK MP Calls on Bafel Talabani to
Disclose Fate of Lalazar Detainees

A senior member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) bloc in the Iraqi Parliament is calling on party leader Bafel Talabani to provide immediate transparency regarding the recent Lalazar clashes in Sulaymaniyah

In an open letter addressed to Talabani, MP Aso Faraidoon demanded clarity on the status of those killed, injured, or missing during the clashes.

He stressed that all individuals detained in connection with the incident should be treated as “suspects until proven guilty.”

Faraidoon reminded Bafel Talabani of his dual British citizenship and urged him to uphold fundamental rights, reconcile with the people of Sulaymaniyah, and address their growing concerns.

“Many of those detained may have been ordinary workers caught up in the events,” he said, emphasizing the suffering of their families and the need for swift investigations to allow innocent individuals to return home.

The lawmaker also highlighted that members of the Lalazar force are among the missing, wounded, and dead, calling for their fates to be disclosed to their families.

“Ultimately, they too are sons and citizens of this homeland,” Faraidoon noted.

He further demanded that legal counsel be granted access to the detainees and that court proceedings remain transparent and free from political interference to strengthen public trust in the judiciary.

Faraidoon also pressed for the Zoom channel and its staff to resume operations, with their equipment and offices returned, warning that restrictions on media and incidents like Lalazar harm public trust and project a negative image to international allies.

The Lalazar confrontation, which has escalated political tensions in Sulaymaniyah, remains under scrutiny amid growing calls for accountability and transparency from both the public and political figures.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/893514

[Anthea]

IHRC Demands Probe Into Missing Persons

The Independent Human Rights Commission (IHRC) in the Kurdistan Region on Friday voiced deep concern over the handling of the recent “Lalazar” incident in Sulaymaniyah, citing a lack of transparency, ongoing arrests, and fears of detainee abuse

In a letter addressed to the Region’s four presidencies, the United Nations, and foreign missions, the Commission said that 15 days after the armed clashes at Lalazar Hotel, families of several missing individuals are still unaware of their relatives’ fate. It described as “suspicious” a claim by Sulaymaniyah’s security forces that they do not have the latest list of missing persons.

According to the IHRC, some of those unaccounted for are believed to be held by Sulaymaniyah’s Counter-Terrorism or Commando forces. The Commission warned that the refusal to disclose their whereabouts raises fears of torture during interrogation.

A team led by IHRC chairwoman Muna Yaqo requested permission to visit detainees, including former PUK co-leader Lahur Sheikh Jangi, but security forces denied the request, citing a previous visit. The People’s Front Party also reported that its members continue to face daily arrests in Sulaymaniyah and elsewhere, while associates of Sheikh Jangi are being threatened

The Commission confirmed that fatalities occurred during the Lalazar clashes, but said security agencies have withheld details. It also criticized the ongoing confiscation of Sheikh Jangi’s assets — including Zoom TV channel — as arbitrary and unlawful.

Reaffirming its support for the rule of law, the IHRC rejected “arbitrary measures and violations” and called for unrestricted access to detainees and case files. It said a detailed report will soon be submitted to the Region’s leadership, parliament, and judiciary. The letter concluded with a demand for a high-level investigative committee to establish the facts and present them to the Kurdish public.

The Lalazar Hotel was the scene of heavy clashes at dawn on August 22, 2025, after security forces surrounded the building where Sheikh Jangi and his supporters had gathered. The confrontation, carried out under a judicial warrant, ended with the arrest of Sheikh Jangi, his brother, and several aides, and resulted in multiple casualties.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/893858

[Anthea]

Metro Center Condemns PUK-Affiliated
Security Raid on NGOs in Sulaymaniyah

The Metro Center for Defending Journalists has strongly condemned a raid carried out by security forces affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) on several local and international non-governmental organizations in Sulaymaniyah, warning that the actions amount to a “clear violation of international humanitarian law.”

According to the center’s report, armed forces stormed a building on August 22 in the Sarchnar neighborhood, near the residence of Lahur Sheikh Jangi, leader of the People’s Front, following an attack on the nearby Lalazar Hotel.

The building hosts multiple NGOs, including the Bahredar Organization for Youth Development, Paya Agency, Art Plus, Water Protectors of Iraq and Kurdistan, and the Italian non-profit UPP (Un Ponte Per – A Bridge For), which works on peace-building and civil society projects in conflict zones.

The Metro Center said the forces confiscated a wide range of property from the offices, including safes containing project funds, laptops, cameras, printers, passports, and even personal belongings such as toothbrushes and shaving machines.

Equipment taken also included sewing and embroidery machines, irons, drills, vacuum cleaners, and mobile phones.

Despite confirming the raids, no individuals or organizations have spoken publicly about the incidents for nearly two weeks, which the Metro Center described as a sign of fear and intimidation.

“These attacks, the confiscation of equipment, and the transfer of property to an unknown location are without any legal basis,” the center said, stressing that none of the targeted organizations were connected to the political or armed conflict in the area

The watchdog warned that such actions could make the Kurdistan Region a “red zone” for foreign organizations, undermining vital civil society and humanitarian work.

It demanded an official apology, full compensation for damages, and stronger guarantees to protect the offices of local and international NGOs.

The Metro Center also urged media outlets to investigate the violations thoroughly and ensure the public is kept informed.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/893950