The operation marks a violent climax to a long-standing power struggle between the two cousins. According to the Turkish news site T24, Bafel Talabani, who is the son of former Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, had previously ousted Lahur Jangi from his position as co-leader of the PUK due to significant disagreements. Following his removal, Jangi founded the rival People's Front Party (Berey Gel), establishing himself as an essential political challenger in the PUK's traditional stronghold. His new party secured two seats in the recent Kurdistan Parliament elections, and through influential media activities, his political profile had been steadily rising, escalating tensions with the PUK leadership.
The operation was launched after Jangi allegedly refused to appear in court. In response, Bafel Talabani ordered security forces to execute an arrest warrant. Checkpoints around Sulaymaniyah were reinforced as hundreds of special operations forces, supported by tanks and armored vehicles, surrounded the Lanezar Hotel, which Jangi used as both a residence and party headquarters. Forces were also strategically deployed to prevent armed loyalists from reaching the city to support him.
What began as a siege quickly devolved into a fierce firefight. Jangi's private, highly-trained "Scorpion Force" engaged in an overnight battle with the PUK-controlled security units. Despite calls to "surrender," the clashes continued until early morning. Overwhelmed by the military pressure, Lahur Sheikh Jangi and his brother Aso Talabani eventually surrendered. Another brother, Polat Talabani, was wounded and taken into custody.
In a statement, the PUK's Counter-Terrorism General Directorate confirmed that three of its members were killed in the fighting, including Ari Sheikh Suad Talabani, a relative of Bafel Talabani. The statement mourned the loss, noting the officers fell "while executing a court order to arrest a group of outlaws." According to reports, a total of 48 people were detained in connection with the incident. Kurdish regional Prime Minister Masrour Barzani issued a statement expressing deep concern, calling the events a threat to the region's security and stability and urging all parties to de-escalate immediately. Lahur Jangi is reportedly being charged under an Iraqi penal code article related to forming an illegal armed group, which PUK sources have framed as an "attempted coup." If convicted, he could face up to seven years in prison.
Iraqi Kurdistan Map: The New Humanitarian