Sulaymaniyah: Security forces arrested the leader of the Popular Front in the Kurdistan Region, Lahur Sheikh Jangi, after clashes erupted in Sulaymaniyah last night. A security source informed the Kurdish media network Rudaw that Lahur Sheikh Jangi, along with his two brothers, Polad and Aso, were taken into custody.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Sulaymaniyah Security Investigations Court had issued an arrest warrant for Lahur Sheikh Jangi earlier on Thursday morning, under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code. The source also noted that Polad Sheikh Jangi sustained injuries after he refused to surrender to the security forces.

Prior to the arrest, Sulaymaniyah Governor Haval Abu Bakr emphasized in a statement that the ongoing clashes between security forces and Jangi’s forces were not conducive to resolving the issues at hand. He urged all parties involved to work towards ending the “undesirable” situation.

Since Thursday evening, heavy deployment of security forces was observed near the Lalazar Hotel in Sulaymaniyah, where Jangi was residing. The confrontation intensified shortly after 3:00 a.m. on Friday, with video footage showing flames and smoke emanating from the hotel.

Reports from Rudaw News highlighted that counterterrorism forces of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) had advanced on Jangi’s headquarters, engaging in a fierce battle with his forces. In a video message recorded on the roof of his house, Jangi addressed the situation, stating, “These friends [the PUK leadership] have decided to attack. This may be my last message, and I will starve to death.”

In his message, Jangi expressed his commitment to the Kurdish people, saying he chose to stay rather than seek a comfortable life in Europe. “I have proven my Kurdishness in all four corners of Kurdistan, and I love you, the Kurdish people,” he declared, conveying his affection and dedication to his people.