Kurdistan Socialist Democratic Party (KSDP)
Secretary-General Mohammed Haji Mahmoud on Tuesday called on Patriotic Union of
Kurdistan (PUK) leader Bafel Talabani to resolve the case of Lahur Sheikh
Jangi, describing it as a “family-related issue” requiring a solution.
SULAIMANI, April 22 (Kurdish Policy Analysis) – In a statement, Haji Mahmoud, known as Kaka Hama, clarified
that the issue had been raised in a previous meeting with Talabani and his
delegation, stressing the need for practical steps while preserving the party’s
political standing.
Referring to recent remarks by Sheikh Jangi’s sister
regarding his ongoing hunger strike, he urged Sheikh Jangi, leader of the
Kurdistan People’s Front Party (PFP), to prioritize his health while pursuing a
calm resolution.
Sheikh Jangi and his brother Polad began a hunger strike on Sunday, calling for
enforcement of the rule of law. They indicated they have been detained for
eight months and accused authorities of preventing the case from reaching the
Court of Cassation.
The issue stems from clashes late on August 31, 2025, in
central Al-Sulaymaniyah between security forces and guards assigned to Sheikh
Jangi following the issuance of an arrest warrant. The confrontation ended with
the arrest of Sheikh Jangi and his brothers, Polad and Aso, after security
forces stormed their residence at the Lalezar Hotel in the Sarjnar
neighborhood.
What happened on the day of the arrest of Lahur Sheikh Jengi
The city of Al-Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan witnessed
heavy clashes on Thursday night and Friday morning after security forces moved
against Lahur Sheikh Jangi, the former co-chair of the Patriotic Union of
Kurdistan (PUK) and leader of the Kurdistan People’s Front Party (PFP). The
violence resulted in a citywide security lockdown, casualties, and conflicting
reports about his fate, though PUK-affiliated media later reported his arrest,
while a video shared on social media showed Jangi being taken by security
forces.
Siege and Clashes
The Al-Sulaymaniyah Police Command announced Thursday that
an arrest warrant had been issued for Lahur Sheikh Jangi under Article 56 of
the Iraqi Penal Code. Police Chief statements confirmed the order was issued on
August 21, 2025, by the Asayish Investigative Court and assigned to local
security forces. The Deputy Head of the Al-Sulaymaniyah Court also affirmed the
order.
Following the announcement, security forces imposed a cordon
on Sheikh Jangi’s residence. By early Friday, counter-terrorism units, commando
forces, and PUK Asayish launched an operation at the Lalezar Hotel, where Jangi
and his brother Polad were reportedly sheltering.
Heavy fighting erupted between their guards and the
advancing forces, lasting for hours. Witnesses reported sustained gunfire and
smoke rising above parts of the city. Medical sources said at least three
people were killed and ten wounded, with the injured transferred under guard to
Shar Hospital.
PUK-linked media reported on Friday that party forces had
taken control of the hotel after the clashes ended. According to the reports,
Lahur Sheikh Jangi and his brother Polad were arrested, while several of their
loyal gunmen surrendered to security forces inside the hotel.
Sources told Shafaq News that among the arrested is Rebwar
Hamed Haj Ghali, the head of the PFP’s Scorpion forces.
Political Context
The escalation stems from a long-standing power struggle
within the PUK. Lahur Sheikh Jangi, who co-chaired the party from February 2020
until July 2021, was removed following disputes with his cousin Bafel Talabani,
who has since consolidated control.
During his tenure, Jangi oversaw key security agencies,
including the Counter-Terrorism Group (CTG) and the Zanyari intelligence
service. After his removal, he established the People’s Front Party in 2024,
which won two seats in the Kurdistan Parliament. Despite his diminished
institutional role, Jangi remains influential in Al-Sulaymaniyah with a notable
support base.
Drone Incident Near Talabani Residence
On Friday morning, witnesses reported smoke near the
residence of PUK leader Bafel Talabani, amid claims the site was targeted by
two drones. The incident further heightened tension, though security
authorities did not confirm or comment on the reports.
Messages from Sheikh Jangi
During the siege, Sheikh Jangi issued several messages. In a
video released before his reported arrest, he said: “We stand on our feet and
will die standing. This may be my last message to the people of Kurdistan.
Though I had the opportunity to live in Europe after the events of July 8, I
chose to remain here with my people.”
In an audio message from inside the Lalezar Hotel, he urged
“those who still have pride and dignity” to move through the city’s
neighborhoods to oppose what he described as the ruling authority.
He also denied being aware of the arrest warrant until media
reports emerged, claimed his home was surrounded, and accused rivals of
interfering in state affairs. Jangi described the accusations against him as
“pretexts,” stressing that he had limited his political activity in recent
years. He also accused Bafel Talabani and other PUK leaders of overstepping
boundaries in their campaign against him.
Calls to the Streets and Escalation
Reports indicated Jangi called on citizens to take to the
streets against the security forces, portraying the standoff as part of a
broader struggle against political oppression. His security detail was
estimated at around 500 men, though casualty figures among them remain unclear.
Authorities sealed all entrances to Al-Sulaymaniyah on
Friday morning to prevent reinforcements from entering. Security sources said
armed supporters attempted to reach the city in support of Jangi.
Official Reactions
Al-Sulaymaniyah Governor Haval Abu Bakr appealed for calm,
warning that violence would only complicate the crisis and urging factions to
prioritize civilian safety.
Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani
described the clashes as a threat to regional stability. He called for
restraint and urged all sides to resolve disputes “through legal means, not
bloodshed,” warning that young Kurds should not pay the price for internal
disputes.
Situation Remained Tense
By Friday morning, Al-Sulaymaniyah remained under heavy
security deployment, with strict lockdown measures and all entry points closed.
Residents described the events as an atmosphere of uncertainty as the
confrontation between rival PUK factions entered a new and dangerous phase.
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