Baghdad, August 22 (QNA) - The Iraqi government has expressed its regret over the incidents in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of people, stressing that it will spare no effort to prevent sedition in all areas of Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region.

Sabah Al Numan, spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister of Iraq, Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, said in a press statement that the federal government stresses the need for the competent authorities to adhere to legal and judicial measures in accordance with the provisions of the constitution and in line with the principles of justice and the rule of law.

Sulaymaniyah city witnessed widespread security deployment and road closures last Thursday night before armed clashes broke out between security forces and elements loyal to the leader of the People's Front Party, Lahur Sheikh Jangi.

The clashes resulted in the deaths of at least three people and the injury of about ten others.

Al Numan said that the government stresses the need to implement legal procedures impartially and transparently, avoiding any armed demonstrations or attempts to intimidate citizens.

He emphasized that law enforcement must be carried out in a manner that preserves human dignity and rights.

The Iraqi government affirmed that preserving the security of citizens in the region and across all Iraqi governorates is a national and moral duty, and that it will spare no effort to prevent strife, promote social peace, and consolidate stability.

The government emphasized that the interests of Sulaymaniyah, the security and safety of its people, and the security of the region and Iraq are paramount.

Iraqi security forces arrested the leader of the People's Front Party, Lahur Sheikh Jangi, and his brothers, Polad Waso, after storming the Lale Zar Hotel, where they and their loyalists had been holed up.

The arrests followed hours of violent clashes between Sheikh Jangi's bodyguards, counter-terrorism and commando units, and members of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).

The Sulaymaniyah Security Investigation Court issued an arrest warrant for Lahur Sheikh Jangi under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code for issues related to security and public order.

As tensions escalated, the city witnessed two drone attacks and a shooting in the Dabashan area, where the home of Bafel Talabani, leader of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, is located.

Earlier, the Kurdistan Region Presidency issued a statement emphasizing the rule of law, protecting the security and stability of Sulaymaniyah, and preserving the lives and property of citizens.

It emphasized that all disputes must be resolved within the framework of the law and without violence. It expressed its condolences to the families of the victims and wished a speedy recovery to the wounded.

KRG Prime Minister Masrour Barzani called for restraint and an end to the clashes, warning that the current tensions threaten the security and stability of the region.

He emphasized the need to resolve any disputes through legal means, and affirmed his efforts to prevent bloodshed and violence.

It's worth noting that Lahur Sheikh Jangi served as co-chair of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) before being ousted in July 2021 following internal party disputes.

He subsequently founded the People's Front Party, which participated for the first time in the 2024 Kurdistan parliamentary elections, winning two seats. (QNA)