Restoration Work Begins on Homes Damaged In Lalezar Hotel Takeover

PUKMEDIA

Sulaymaniyah Deputy Governor Shaho Osman.

The works regarding the restoration on the homes and properties damaged during the takeover of the Lalazar Hotel in Sulaymaniyah began on Saturday, 23 August 2025. Deputy Governor Shaho Osman, who supervises the compensation committee, confirmed that “all those affected will be compensated without distinction, as the damage was caused in the course of implementing the law.”

Bafel Jalal Talabani, President of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), had earlier directed that all houses and properties damaged during the Lalezar Hotel incident in Sarchinar neighbourhood be fully compensated. Following his instructions, the PUK Bureau of General Finance and Administration immediately established a special committee to oversee the process and began work without delay.

Speaking to PUKMEDIA, Deputy Governor Osman underlined that the protection of citizens’ property and the security of the city remain a fundamental duty of the local administration. “With the support of all our institutions, particularly the security services, we are committed to safeguarding the people of Sulaymaniyah. Anyone who violates the law will be dealt with through judicial order, regardless of their rank or position. No one is above the law,” he said.

He further explained that, under the directives of President Bafel Talabani, the first step following the incident was to visit the families directly affected. “We expressed our apologies and reassured them that calm and stability would from now on be better in the city,” he added.

The Deputy Governor confirmed that the PUK’s Bureau of General Finance and Administration has taken responsibility for providing compensation. Specialised teams have already begun work on rebuilding homes and repairing damaged vehicles.

Osman also made clear that the scheme will not be limited to residents directly affected by the incident: “Any citizen — whether a resident of Sulaymaniyah, or even a visitor or tourist — who has suffered harm as a result of the security services carrying out their duty may contact us directly. All losses will be fully compensated without exception.”

The incident occurred on Friday, 22 August 2025, when armed clashes broke out in Sulaymaniyah as security forces executed a judicial order to arrest Lahur Jangi, leader of the People’s Front, at his headquarters in the Lalezar Hotel in the Sarchinar area. Jangi was wanted under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code.

According to a statement by the Kurdistan Region Security Agency (Asayish), the clashes lasted three hours before the hotel was brought under control and Lahur Jangi and his brother, Polad Jangi, were both arrested. Three members of the security forces were martyred while carrying out their lawful duties.

The Asayish statement emphasised that repeated attempts had been made to secure a peaceful surrender, including direct telephone contacts with the wanted individuals and public warnings broadcast via loudspeakers, assuring them that their lives would be protected if they laid down their arms.

According to the Asayish, the suspects refused to comply, declaring instead that they commanded an armed militia and would resist arrest. They then opened fire on the Asayish, official forces of the Kurdistan Regional Government.

“Our forces were then compelled to respond in order to enforce the arrest warrants and protect public security. This operation was carried out strictly on the basis of judicial decisions, leaving no room for deviation from the law. Security and peace will continue to be upheld,” the statement said.

Commenting on the incident, Sulaymaniyah Court Spokesperson Judge Salah Hassan stated on Friday afternoon: “What occurred at Lalezar was the result of the defendants’ refusal to surrender, and the incident unfortunately led to deaths and injuries.”

He confirmed that the defendants will also face additional prosecution under Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code.

Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code is related to fraud crime. Meanwhile Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code deals with the premeditated and willful killing of another person.



PUKMEDIA