The operation to capture Lahur Sheikh Jangi, leader of Berey Gel (People’s Front), in Sulaymaniyah resulted in heavy clashes and casualties.
According to local authorities, three members of the security forces were killed and more than 10 people were wounded in the clashes.
A security source speaking to AFP said that one person from the Asayish (Internal Security) special operations unit, one person from the counter-terrorism unit, and one person from the Commandoes were killed in the confrontation. Another security official said that 19 people were injured.
Information was not immediately available on whether there were any casualties on the side of Lahur Sheikh Jangi’s forces.
On the evening of August 21, security forces in Sulaymaniyah surrounded the Lalezar Hotel, where Lahur Sheikh Jangi was staying.
On Friday morning, after 3:00 a.m., clashes broke out at the Lalezar Hotel, and a drone was subsequently shot down in Dabashan.
Following the fighting, two brothers, a sister, a son-in-law, three children, and the wife of Lahur Sheikh Jangi have been detained.
Reports say that Jangi and his brother Polad were taken to Dabashan by security forces.
According to reports, Jangi’s family and children are to be sent to Sweden, while his sister and son-in-law are to be sent to the UK.
Lahur Sheikh Jangi is accused of “endangering security and disrupting stability” under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code. PUK (Patriotic Union of Kurdistan) sources accuse him of attempting a coup and aiming to disrupt security in Sulaymaniyah.
If convicted and the charges are upheld, he could face up to seven years in prison.
Following the clashes that lasted for nearly three hours, security forces in Sulaymaniyah raided the headquarters of Zoom TV channel owned by Lahur Sheikh Jangi and closed down the TV station early in the morning.
Metro Center Manager Rehman Xerîb said in a statement, “I hope that the seizure of the TV station is only temporary.”
Source: ANF News
