According to local Kurdish media, fierce battles broke out late last night and early this morning near the residence of Rahul Sheikh Jangi in Suleimaniya, causing death and injury to the troops involved.
The clashes broke out after Rahul Sheikh Jangi refusing to surrender to security forces amid rising tensions, military reinforcements and massive deployment of regional security units.
The Deputy Chief of Suleimaniyah Court announced yesterday that an arrest warrant had been issued for Rahul Sheikh Jangi by the “Asaish Investigative Court” under Article 56 of the Iraq Criminal Code.
As a result, it surrounded the Lalazare Hotel on Saloona Road in Sulaymaniya, where Rahul Sheikh Jangi and his family were staying.
The security forces surrounding Lalazare’s hotel then demanded his surrender. However, Sheikh Janggi released a video message in front of his residence: “These troops have decided to attack. This may be my last message. I will fight.”
At 3:32am, a violent clash with heavy and light weapons broke out between security forces and the Sheikhjangi loyalists in the Lalazare region. According to ROJ News Agency, the battle lasted nearly four hours and ended with the arrest of Rahul and his brother Polad Sheikh Jangi.
The site is currently remaining tense and has a large presence of internal security forces and media.
MNA