Iraqi Kurdish factional feuds erupt anew with violent arrest of Lahur Talabani
Violent clashes in Sulaimaniyah underscore long-standing political tensions and a scramble for influence in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Lahur Talabani, a leading political figure in the Iraqi Kurdistan region, was arrested together with his brother Pulad in the early hours of Friday following a violent showdown between his forces and counterterrorism units attached to the ruling Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) led by his cousin and longtime rival, Bafel Talabani in their stronghold of Sulaimaniyah.
At least three members of Bafel’s forces were reportedly killed in the clashes that erupted in and around the Lalezar hotel in the densely populated Sarchinar area of Sulaimaniyah where the Talabani brothers and their associates were holed up. Security forces bearing heavy weapons and backed by tanks surrounded the hotel before opening fire. The ensuing battle left the hotel’s facade pockmarked by bullets and its windows shattered. One of Lahur’s personal bodyguards died as well.
Residents shared videos of black smoke rising above the hotel and the chatter of gunfire that continued into the morning hours.
Lahur, a former co-chair of the PUK, and his brother were resisting arrest after the Sulaimaniyah security directorate issued warrants for them on charges of engaging in coordinated criminal acts targeting public security and stability, the Kurdistan 24 news outlet reported.
