Steven Sahiounie, journalist and political commentator
In a dramatic escalation of political tensions in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, Lahur Sheikh Jangi, leader of the opposition "People's Front Party," was arrested alongside two of his brothers following a violent confrontation with security forces in Sulaymaniyah. The operation, which unfolded in the early hours of Friday morning, resulted in multiple casualties and has drawn both domestic and international concern.
The recent armed conflict in Sulaymaniyah was the result of a deep and long-standing political and familial power struggle within the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
Sheikh Jangi was once co-president of the PUK alongside his cousin Bafel Talabani, son of the late President of Iraq, Jalal Talabani. Their relationship deteriorated in 2021, leading to Sheikh Jangi’s removal and Bafel consolidating control over the party.
Sheikh Jangi later founded the People’s Front Party, which gained traction and won seats in the 2024 elections, and has posed a challenge to PUK dominance.
Legal Charges and Arrest Warrant
The Sulaymaniyah Court issued an arrest warrant under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code, accusing Sheikh Jangi of criminal conspiracy and destabilizing public order. The operation to arrest him involved heavy weaponry and counter-terrorism forces, which many viewed as excessive and politically motivated.
Armed Clashes and Security Concerns
Sheikh Jangi’s loyalists, known as the “Scorpion Force,” resisted the arrest, leading to hours of armed clashes. The use of tanks and heavy weapons inside a civilian area shocked many and raised concerns about the militarization of political disputes.
Political Suppression Allegations
Critics argue that the arrest was not just legal enforcement but part of a broader crackdown on opposition voices. Similar actions were taken recently against other opposition figures, including Shaswar Abdulwahid, fueling fears of authoritarian tactics.
Regional and International Reactions
The Kurdistan Regional Government expressed concern over the violence, while the federal government in Baghdad called for transparency and restraint. International bodies, including the U.S. and Turkey, condemned the escalation and urged peaceful resolution.
In essence, this wasn’t just a legal matter, but a flashpoint in a larger battle over political control, legitimacy, and the future direction of Kurdish governance.
In addition to Sheikh Jangi, his brothers Aso and Bolad were also arrested, while Rebwar Hami Haji Ghali, commander of the “Lalazar” forces, surrendered himself to the security authorities.
The operation to arrest Sheikh Jangi in Sulaymaniyah involved several key Iraqi Kurdish security units, primarily affiliated with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
The PUK Asayish (Security Forces) and the Counter-Terrorism Group (CTG), formerly commanded by Sheikh Jangi, both participated in the operation to arrest Lahur. One CTG member, Ari Sheikh Suwad Talabani, was killed during the clashes.
Commando Units specialized in urban combat and high-risk operations were deployed alongside Asayish and CTG forces. They were involved in the direct assault and reportedly used heavy weaponry during the confrontation.
Sulaymaniyah Police Command, the local police, oversaw the legal execution of the arrest warrant issued by the Asayish Investigative Court. They helped coordinate the broader security lockdown across the city.
The use of tanks, drones, and heavy artillery by these forces has drawn criticism from human rights groups and political observers, who argue that the scale of the operation resembled a military siege more than a law enforcement action.
The Arrest and Armed Confrontation
According to reports from Rudaw Media Network and the Iraqi News Agency (INA), a special security unit stormed the Lalezhar Hotel in Sulaymaniyah, where Sheikh Jangi was residing. The arrest followed a court-issued warrant under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code, citing charges of “conspiracy to destabilize security and public order.”
The operation triggered intense armed clashes between security forces and Sheikh Jangi’s loyalists, known as the “Scorpion Force.” The firefight lasted over four hours, resulting in the deaths of three security personnel and injuries to at least 20 others. Sheikh Jangi eventually surrendered, while his brother Bolad was wounded and taken into custody.
Political and Familial Undercurrents
Observers note that the conflict is not merely political but deeply rooted in familial divisions. Both the Talabani and Sheikh Jangi families have historically wielded significant influence within the PUK, making the current crisis a complex blend of personal vendettas and institutional power struggles.
Reactions from Kurdistan and Baghdad
Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officials swiftly responded to the unrest. Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani vowed that those responsible for the violence would face justice, while Prime Minister Masrour Barzani warned that the clashes threaten the region’s stability and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
In Baghdad, the federal government emphasized the need for legal procedures to be carried out transparently and without political interference. The spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Sabah al-Numan, stressed the importance of protecting civil rights and avoiding intimidation tactics.
International Concern
The United States and Turkey expressed concern over the developments. The U.S. Embassy in Iraq urged restraint and condemned any actions that jeopardize public safety. Turkey, meanwhile, announced precautionary measures to safeguard its citizens in Sulaymaniyah, signaling the potential for broader regional implications.
The U.S. attack, invasion and occupation of Iraq is what opened the doors of chaos in Iraq, which remains today. The American occupation broke down the fabric of society along sectarian lines. The north of Iraq is now under the control of a Kurdish administration, which conveniently controls the major oil producing sites in Iraqi, one of the leading oil-rich nations on earth.
A Pattern of Crackdowns
Sheikh Jangi’s arrest follows the recent detention of Shaswar Abdulwahid, leader of the New Generation Movement, who was taken into custody on defamation charges. Critics argue that these arrests reflect a troubling trend of political suppression in a region that prides itself on democratic values.
Journalists and activists have also faced increasing pressure. Notably, anti-corruption journalist Sherwan Sherwani received an extended prison sentence just days before his scheduled release, raising further concerns about press freedom.
The Road Ahead
As tensions simmer, calls for dialogue and legal resolution grow louder. While the PUK leadership insists the arrest was lawful and necessary, opposition figures claim it was a politically motivated attempt to silence dissent.
The unfolding crisis in Sulaymaniyah underscores the fragile balance between authority and opposition in Iraqi Kurdistan. With parliamentary elections looming in November, the region faces a critical test of its democratic institutions and commitment to civil liberties.
Steven Sahiounie is a two-time award-winning journalist.