ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Dozens of buildings were damaged and over 16 workers detained during deadly clashes between security forces and armed men loyal to the opposition People’s Front (Baray Gal) leader Lahur Talabany, a businessman said on Saturday.
Businessman Omar Hama Faraj, known as Oscar, who is building the $25 million Khor (Sun) resort project in Sulaimani, told Rudaw that the fighting caused about $3 million in damage and that 16 workers - Iraqis from Mosul and Syrians - were detained.
“A group of Iraqi Arabs from Mosul, and a group of Syrians who have been with us for two or three years, were all taken yesterday and detained. That is why I ask Mr. Bafel [Talabani, Patriotic Union of Kurdistan leader] to order their release as they are Arabs and have no connection to the case,” Faraj said.
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.
Faraj estimated their losses to be “very, very big,” saying that the main building’s front “must all be demolished” and rebuilt.
Following the clashes, 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.
Talabany’s eldest brother Aras Sheikh Jangi told Rudaw on Saturday that over 120 drones, 150 armored vehicles, and nine tanks were used by security forces in the Friday attack, claiming that the number of casualties is higher than what has been reported.
The clashes near the Lalezar Hotel also damaged walls, doors, and windows in nearby houses.
Yadgar Namiq, owner of one of the closest houses to the hotel, said that his residence was used as a base during the clashes.
“After we left, it seems [security] forces came in here,” he said. “We are very close. Only we are in front of them [Lalezar]. They have come here and used it [the house] as a base. They have shot a lot from here and have been shot at here as well. There are many bullet casings in the room.”
Namiq said that the security forces also “ate everything” in his house.
PUK leader Bafel Talabani has pledged compensation for affected families and properties and formed a committee to visit all damage sites and reimburse residents.
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.
Peshawa Bakhtyar contributed to this report.
