Iraq: Sulaymaniyah clashes leave 12 dead and 160 arrested.

Arab Sea Newspaper - Special

Arab Sea_Agencies: A high-ranking source in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) confirmed that 12 people were killed in clashes in Sulaymaniyah in Iraqi Kurdistan, including 3 members of the security forces, in addition to the arrest of 160 people. The source, according to the "Rudaw" network, indicated that there were 4 failed assassination attempts against Bafel Talabani, the head of the Patriotic Union, and Qubad Talabani, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region. Among these attempts was "an attempt through one of the leaders, but the presence of Americans accompanying him prevented the implementation of the plan," according to the source, and another by a sniper from a distance of 600 meters, in addition to an attempt in the Vogue restaurant in Sarginar, and another attempt targeting Qubad while he was on board a plane. The source explained that the failure of the assassination attempt was due to Bafel Talabani traveling in an armored car. He also confirmed that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) was not a party to this attempt or conspiracy. The source stated that Bafel Talabani spoke with Lahur Sheikh Jangi, the head of the People's Front, by telephone and called on him to come out, but he refused and continued in his position. The clashes erupted in the context of political tensions within the region, especially between the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party, headed by Bafel Talabani, and the People's Front, led by Lahur Sheikh Jangi, which was at odds with the leadership of the Patriotic Union. The security operation led to the arrest of Lahur Sheikh Jangi and his brothers, with continued tension and material damage in the city. These events have raised concerns inside and outside Kurdistan, and the Presidency of the Kurdistan Region affirmed the need to maintain security and the rule of law, while calling for resolving disputes peacefully and legally. The city also witnessed strict security measures after the raids to confront any new threats and reduce tensions.