Conflicts caused by evil Bafel Talabani and PUK

[Anthea]

PUK Accused of Pressuring Voters

Fraud Ahead of Elections

The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) is facing allegations of engaging in suspicious activities ahead of the upcoming Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections

Reports have surfaced suggesting that the PUK has been pressuring voters, including members of the 70th Unit of the Peshmerga, police forces, defense units, and emergency brigades, to vote in favor of the party.

Allegedly, voting has been conducted at the party’s headquarters under the guise of “tests,” with officers and security personnel coerced into casting their ballots.

In one notable incident on Friday, members of the PUK’s 16th Brigade reportedly organized a mock voting process described as a "voting test." This event, however, was later revealed to be an actual voting session, raising concerns about the transparency of the process.

Additionally, allegations have emerged that the PUK is attempting to buy votes, offering 50,000 Iraqi dinars in exchange for voters' cards.

Reports indicate that pressure has been applied to private companies and factories in Garmiyan to hand over their employees' voting cards and those of their families to the PUK headquarters.

These claims have sparked controversy, with critics calling for greater oversight to ensure the integrity of the election process. The parliamentary elections in the Kurdistan Region are scheduled for October 20, with these accusations casting a shadow over the fairness of the vote.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/862536

It does NOT surprise me, the Evil Bafel Talabani bullies, orders and manipulates the once respected PUK, he should NOT be allowed to take part in the elections, nor should any member of the PUK while Bafel is in control

[Anthea]

PUK engages in election irregularities

In recent days, several concerning reports have emerged indicating that the PUK has been involved in pressuring voters, including officers and civil servants, to cast their ballots in favor of the party

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has come under scrutiny for allegedly engaging in suspicious activities ahead of the upcoming Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections, sources from Kurdistan24 have revealed.

In recent days, several concerning reports have emerged indicating that the PUK has been involved in pressuring voters, including officers and civil servants, to cast their ballots in favor of the party. The voters include members of the 70th Unit of the Peshmerga, police forces, defense units, and emergency brigades.

According to insider information, voting for the PUK has been conducted at the party’s headquarters under the guise of "tests." Officers, security personnel, and some PUK cadres have reportedly been coerced into voting for the party's list under significant pressure.

One specific incident, reported on Friday, involved members of the PUK’s 16th Brigade who allegedly organized a mock voting process, described as a "voting test." During this event, a number of individuals were brought in with voting machines and ballot boxes to participate in what was purportedly a rehearsal. However, it was later revealed that this test was, in fact, an actual voting process.

Further allegations point to the Garmiyan Police Directorate, whose members were transported in 10 buses to the PUK headquarters in Garmiyan under the same pretext of a voting test

The PUK is also accused of attempting to buy votes by offering 50,000 Iraqi dinars in exchange for voters' cards. Reports suggest that pressure has been exerted on offices, private companies, and factories in Garmiyan to hand over their employees' voting cards, as well as those of their families, to PUK headquarters.

These allegations raise serious concerns about the integrity of the election process, with critics calling for greater oversight to ensure a fair and transparent vote. The Kurdistan Region's parliamentary elections are set to take place on Oct. 20, and these claims have already sparked significant controversy.

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/story/39 ... tary-polls

[Anthea]

A lot of people have been sold out

A member of the General Assembly of the Gorran Movement pointed out that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) itself approved all the decisions of the government in the Kurdistan Regional Council of Ministers، including the "My Account" project، and is now calling for elections by opposing these decisions.

Dilshad Rashid Mullah، a member of the General Movement for Change، told Bas News: "There is an attempt to bring civil power to Sulaimaniyah and give legitimacy to the Bafel forces، militias and mafias and rule themselves as a party."

[Anthea]

Now Bafel profits from opium

Lahur Sheikh Jangi revealed that the opium factory, found in Sulaimaniyah, was connected to the current leaders of the PUK and that they were the ones who brought the opium factory to the border of Sulaimaniyah and that they were rehabilitating and arresting other people

Today, Monday, October 7, 2024, the former co-president of the PUK Lahur Sheikh Jangi revealed that the current leaders of the PUK brought the opium factory to the Sulaimaniyah border and cleared and arrested a Peshmerga, adding: "The leader who has been arrested has no sin."

He pointed out that they know who brought the factory, adding: "They brought it from Syria, which is a senior official in the largest union, who brought the opium factory and set it up here and cleared it on a Peshmerga who is not aware of it."

"Instead of finding job opportunities, finding hope for our youths so that they don't run away, they have come and brought opium to this city," he said.

He turned to the people of Sulaimaniyah and said, "God willing, the end of this ordeal will come, don't despair."

Link to the video of Lahur Sheikh Jangi's speech:

Telegram: Contact @basnewsmedia

[Anthea]

PUK Leaders in Electoral Fraud

The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) High Election Committee issued a statement on Tuesday regarding fraud and attempts to mislead the electoral process by PUK leaders Bafel and Qubad Talabani

In the statement, the KDP election committee accused Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) president Bafel Talabani and his younger brother Qubad Talabani of fraud and misleading the election process for the upcoming Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20.

“As you know, we as the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) have expressed our concerns about the electoral process in several places after the decisions of the Federal Court of Iraq, and now we have proof for our concerns,” the KDP explained in the statement.

The election committee released a recording of a telephone conversation between PUK leaders Bafel and Qubad Talabani as evidence of their plans to commit electoral fraud.

"The recording shows the true face of the new PUK leadership, especially Bafel and Qubad, who arrogantly discuss using the families of martyrs and heroic Peshmergas to falsify the election and shamelessly insult the martyrs, their proud families, heroic Peshmergas, and dear voters in order to undermine a democratic process such as elections and make it ugly," the KDP statement added.

Some 1,191 candidates will compete for 100 seats in the next Parliament of the Region, which is divided into four constituencies, with special elections getting underway on October 18 and the general election taking place two days later on October 20.

[Anthea]

Nazim Harki: Bafel and Qubad

That's for the courts, it's the consulates, it's the experts in voice technology and artificial intelligence, if they want to prove to the people that this audio recording is not theirs!

A member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party's Central Committee (KDP) has called on Bafel and Qubad Talabani to defend their contempt. He asks them that if they seriously believe that the audio recording is not true, they should sue the court so that the truth of the matter becomes clear to the public.

After the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) officially released an audio document today, in which it was revealed that Bafel and Qubad Talabani were talking together about a big fraud plot and insulting the martyrs, the families of the martyrs, the Peshmerga, and even the voters of their own party, it was tried by Bafel and Qubad and the PUK media and people affiliated with that party by spreading rumors that it is artificial intelligence! Casting doubt on the authenticity of the evidence.

On the other hand، Nazim Harki، a member of the party's central committee، told Bas News that there is no doubt about the authenticity of the audio recording، and that the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) is a party responsible to the people of Kurdistan and has a great history and has a strong position in Kurdistan، Iraq and all regions and the world، and it will never enter into a political position if it does not believe in it completely.

He explained that when Baffle, Qubad and the PUK say that the audio recording is not true, they are "lying, otherwise now the ball is in their court and let them have the courage to defend their humiliation." "If they are serious and honest, they should sue in court, but because they know very well that their audio recording is true, they don't dare to go to court, because they know that they will be more humiliated in court."

"We as a party are completely indifferent in this regard, it's the courts, it's the international organizations, it's the consulates, it's the diplomats, it's the experts and experts in the field of technicalities and sounds, there's any other way to try it and explain to the people with evidence that the voice is not real and respond to the people," he said.

[Anthea]

A report on drug smuggling:

Drug smuggling between the border areas of Iraq, Syria and Iran, points to the support of the Bafel Talabani for the PKK and drug smuggling

"Following a number of expected steps, the Iraqi government banned the activities of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) in its territory and designated the organization as a 'banned' organization.

Despite the Iraqi government's new steps to combat the PKK, the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), the second largest party in the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), headquartered in Sulaimaniyah, continues to support the PKK.

"While the government of Baghdad has described the PKK as a threat to Iraqi territory، the head of the PUK Bafel Talabani continues to support the use of Sulaymaniyah city for the PKK."

"The people of Sulaimaniyah have always paid the price for the impact of the PUK's policy of support for the PKK and now they are paying the price of this policy heavily in their daily lives. "In terms of economy and services، Sulaimaniyah appears to be one of the most underdeveloped provinces with the least investment in the economy، urbanization and international trade."

"On the other hand, it is known that Sulaymaniyah has witnessed many protests over the past five years. "From civil servants، unpaid workers، youth and students who are dissatisfied with the quality of education and living conditions in Sulaimaniyah often protest against the PUK and it's leader Bafel Talabani."

The problem of Sulaimaniyah International Airport:

"With the closure of Turkish airspace to Sulaimaniyah Airport flights since April 3, 2023, due to the PKK threat, there has been significant damage to commercial activities and the tourism sector in Sulaimaniyah.

"There are more than 200 travel companies in Sulaimaniyah that organize flights to Turkey and after the closure of Turkish airspace، these companies were forced to suspend their activities for almost a year."

"Sulaymaniyah Airport، which employs thousands of people and 12 airlines، lost its international status when Turkey closed its airspace. "As a result، the residents of Sulaimaniyah have gone to Erbil International Airport for their international flights."

Arms and Drug Trafficking

The support provided to the PKK in Sulaimaniyah has paved the way for drug smuggling, and the PKK has taken control of the area with the help of Bafel Talabani and the PUK, now from the Iraqi-Iranian border to the Iraqi-Syrian border, there are routes for smuggling, weapons and drugs."

Despite all the negative images about Sulaimaniyah and PUK، Bafel Talabani، who is in charge of the city's authority، continues to support this terrorist organization. "At a time when the social and economic problems of the Kurdistan National Union are piling up، Bafal Talabani is busy opening the way for the PKK's activities in Sulaymaniyah."

The PUK has ignored the main problems of the residents of Sulaimaniyah، such as the development of the city's infrastructure، the provision of public services and the elimination of economic problems.

While Sulaymaniyah is suffering from all of this، the PKK and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) have forged an alliance - the PKK is active first in the villages of Sulaimaniyah and then in the city center."

For a great many years the PKK leadership, along with a SMALL contingent of supporters have been allowed to remain safely in certain areas of Southern Kurdistan with little or no conflict between them and local inhabitants.

However, since the PKK army (contact estimated 60,000 freedom fighters) was tricked into moving into Southern Kurdistan, the entire demographics of the area has changed.

And as we all know that now the PKK is in Southern Kurdistan away from all it's millions of supporters it has become an easy target for Turkish attacks. Whereas prior to the carefully planned deliberate trick to remove the PKK freedom fighters from within Turkish borders it had the support both moral and physical, of the majority of Kurds within Turkey.

We also know that without threat of reprisals from the PKK, the Turkish military is attacking and isolating Kurdish villages within Turkish borders and arresting legally elected Kurdish political figures.

The removal of PKK freedom fighters from within Turkish borders has allowed for the growth of certain traitorous Kurdish parties within Turkish borders, denying Kurds the right to their long fought independence and pushing Kurds back down into submission.

While the PKK freedom fighters are still referred to as FREEDOM FIGHTERS

Worst of all, the Kurdish leadership within Southern Kurdistan now find themselves in conflict within their once comparatively safe hideouts.

Due to all the ongoing conflicts the Kurdish leaders very lives have been put at risk

[Anthea]

An analysis of the Bafelgate file:

What does this political crisis tell us?

"This time we are going to destroy them with difficulty!" shows that the PUK is always thinking about the destruction of the KDP and the Kurdistan government.

Putting this fraudulent plan in place for the elections shows that Bafel Talabani does not have a strategic mindset nor does he think about tactics، his main goal is to destroy the KDP and the Kurdistan Regional Government and nothing else.

Bafel and Qubad show that they are both short-sighted and pave the way for the country to bring the Kurdistan government under its control in the future. It also shows that instead of having a strategic mindset, they are thinking only of short-term gains.

In the video، Bafel said: "I think things are going according to plan" and it is clear that they have a plan in place to achieve the goals mentioned above.

"We have to be smart" and this explains that there is a difference or contradiction between Qubad and Baffel's thinking about this plan، and that Qubad is concerned that the issue of democratization of elections will not be questioned. So they are concerned about the discovery of the plan that has been devised from the outside، and it seems that they are discussing the implementation of this plan and how to manage the details.

Bafel said that after the election، he had to find a way to convince the people that he had won the election fairly. They seem to have thought of a way to justify the results.

"We're going to play this game!" Bafel said، "but the only thing that matters to him is the number of seats، and he doesn't think about anything else، so Qubad tries to advise him."

"We have to be smart" and this explains that there is a difference or contradiction in Qubad and Bafel's thinking about this plan، and that Qubad is concerned that the issue of democratization of the elections will be questioned.

So they are concerned about the discovery of a plan that has been devised from the outset، and it seems that they are discussing the implementation of this plan and how to manage the details.

Bafel talks about the martyrs and the house of the martyrs and the Peshmerga، not only disrespectfully، but are fighting for power without the support of the people and showing their self-imposed mentality.

Qubad is worried that the PKK has discovered their plan and created pressure through Baghdad. The audio recording shows Qubad's suspicions and tensions، so Bafel assures Qubad that he is the architect of this plan and they will not allow Baghdad to do anything so he is not worried.

Bafel appeared very excited about the plan that he only thought about the day the results were announced.

When Qubad says، "The KDP is trying to keep things the way they are،" it means that he is sure that the KDP has no undemocratic plan and is dependent on its voters، so he tries to warn Bafel، but Bafel said، "Baghdad is listening to us، and will not interfere."

"BafelGate is an indication of the lack of faith in the issue of democracy and the poor state of the PUK، especially after the exit of the much loved and highly respected Lahur Sheikh Jangi، so Bafel and Qubad will resort to anything to succeed their goals.

Note: Watergate is the revelation of a 1972 U.S. scandal that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon. In the aftermath of this incident, the suffix "Gate" joined political scandals or scandals, such as Irangate, and now Bafelgate.

[Anthea]

UN Report Highlights Sulaymanhiyah

Key Transit Point for Narcotics

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has raised concerns over Sulaymanhiyah province’s role as a major transit hub for narcotics entering Iraq, the Kurdistan Region, and even Europe

A detailed investigation conducted in July by the UN agency identifies three main entry points for narcotics into Iraq, with Sulaymanhiyah serving as a primary route for drugs traveling from Afghanistan and Iran before reaching Europe.

According to the report, Sulaymanhiyah has the lowest recorded seizures of narcotics compared to other cities like Erbil, Duhok, and Zakho, which face stricter monitoring measures. Additionally, Iraq’s Ministry of Interior, with the support of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), recently reported dismantling a narcotics manufacturing facility near Derbandikhan in the province, as part of an ongoing security operation.

This issue aligns with previous claims made by Lahur Talabani, former co-president of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), who had asserted that a high-ranking PUK official was overseeing narcotics production in the province, leading to substance abuse among local youth. These developments underline the ongoing challenges in curbing drug trafficking and the role Sulaymanhiyah plays as a transit point in the wider region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/863214

[Anthea]

NOTE: The union between the PKK and Bafel Talabani’s PUK has also led to attacks on the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) institutions, particularly the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).

The PUK has allegedly opened an operational room for PKK media workers in Sulaymaniyah, sponsoring platforms that criticize the KRG and promote PUK interests.

The analyst warned that Bafel Talabani’s actions, which align him with “terrorists and criminals” wanted by the US and European Union, pose a significant threat to Sulaymaniyah. He stated, “Bafel Talabani’s closest allies are now terrorists and criminals. His only goal is to turn Sulaymaniyah into a shield for his mafia.”

Further elaborating, Ali said the “Union-Militias-PKK” alliance, referred to as the “Mafia Alliance” on social media, aims to destabilize Sulaymaniyah through drug smuggling and undermining the city’s stability.

He urged the Kurdistan Regional Government’s 10th cabinet to prioritize cleansing the city of these mafias and PKK members.

Dr. Madhat Suleiman, another political observer, also commented on the issue. He told BasNews that the alliance between Bafel Talabani, Rayan al-Kildani, a militia leader with strong ties to Iran, militias, and the PKK is detrimental to the Kurdistan Region’s development and stability.

This coalition opposes the KDP and the KRG while engaging in smuggling operations involving drugs transported from Pakistan and Iran to Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Europe. According to Suleiman, this mafia alliance seeks to undermine both the Kurdistan Region and its international allies, including the United States and Israel.

Suleiman concluded by stating that this alliance’s involvement in criminal activities, including drug smuggling, poses a long-term threat to the stability of the Kurdistan Region.

[Anthea]

KDPI Member Was Handed to Iran by PUK

A Kurdish youth from Iranian Kurdistan and member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI) has revealed that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) handed him over to Iran in September

On September 7, the KDPI accused the PUK security forces of extraditing Behzad Khosravi to Iran. The extradition was also confirmed by the Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC), which asserted that the PUK was responsible for the action.

“The PUK has handed over Behzad Khosravi, a member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party of Iran (KDPI), to the Islamic Republic of Iran on behalf of the Sulaymaniyah security forces under the order of the PUK president,” the KRSC said at the time.

“The PUK has been managing government institutions in Sulaymaniyah as a party entity for some time. The official institutions of the Kurdistan Region are not responsible for the illegal actions of the PUK and its leader,” the KRSC noted.

Khosravi managed to flee to Turkey following his release on bail, where he revealed the details in an interview with Ali Jawanmardi, a journalist from Iranian Kurdistan. Khosravi said that Sulaymaniyah security forces took him into custody, confiscated all his belongings, including his residence permit, and beat him before handing him over to Iran.

“A man in the security forces named Bamo ordered me to be tortured. I begged them to have mercy on my mother and sister and let me return to them, but they forced me to sign a letter and deported me to Iran,” Khosravi said.

“They beat me and Shaho Ahmadzadeh, who is from Marivan. They put us in a white minivan with some other people. They took us to Kermanshah and handed us over to Iran. In Kermanshah, we were handed over to the intelligence agency, where they signed papers, sent Shaho to Marivan, and transferred me to the intelligence agency in Sanandaj. There, I was tortured and accused of being a terrorist.”

Khosravi also explained that after his extradition, videos were released showing him claiming he was in good condition and had returned to Iran voluntarily, but he said those videos were made under duress.

“The first video was released by the intelligence agencies. They took me 15 to 20 times and told me not to say that I was beaten by the PUK security forces, and that the KDPI didn’t support me. I had no choice but to comply,” Khosravi said

“The Sanandaj intelligence agency said they would release me on the condition that I helped them. They asked me to identify two or three KDPI leaders. I told them I didn’t know anyone,” Khosravi added. “The intelligence agencies coerced me, gave me cigarettes, and filmed videos of me.”

Khosravi said he was released on conditional bail in Iran after no evidence was found against him. He later fled to Turkey.

Born in Saqqez in 1987, Khosravi had been living in Sulaymaniyah since 2014 and had applied for asylum through the United Nations.

According to the Hengaw Organization for Human Rights, he was handed over to Iranian security agencies after being tortured.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/863714

[Anthea]

Ali Hama Saleh revealed the corruption of the PUK on his Facebook page and wrote in a post titled "What crime is bigger than this؟":

"Tonight I have confirmed the details that every night (10 truckloads) of frozen meat are illegally entered into Sulaimaniyah and 700 tons of dollars are taken without inspection."

Speaking about the amount of money earned from the corruption، Ali Hama Salih writes: "$175،000 a night from frozen meat alone.

In the checkpoints, it is called Tansaqa, which means that the party allows it and the money goes to the party."

"I will deliver the full evidence of these cases to the whole world," he insists.

There are a lot of people out there who have been in the area for a long time and they have a lot of money in their pockets.

[Anthea]

Kurdish Activist Claims PUK and Militia

Plan Sunni Executions

A Kurdish political activist, formerly an advisor to Qubad Talabani on Anfal affairs, has revealed that the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has reached an agreement with pro-Iranian militia groups to execute approximately 11,000 Sunni prisoners, with the Iraqi president expected to issue the execution decrees

Taymour Abdullah Ahmed, known as Taymouri Anfal and the sole survivor of the infamous Anfal campaign, stated on his official Facebook page that despite warnings from the international community for the PUK not to align itself with Shia militias against the Sunni community, Iraqi President Latif Rashid has signed off on the execution of 680 Sunni citizens sentenced to death in various Iraqi prisons at the request of Shia militias.

"This is a dangerous new development that will create problems for the Kurds, as Latif Rashid is a Kurd and holds that position," warned Taymour.

The activist noted that the Sunni prisoners at risk of execution include those arrested by Iraqi Shia authorities in the past, charged with various offenses, and sentenced to death. However, to carry out the sentences, the Iraqi President must issue a special decree.

Among the 680 people sentenced to death are tribal leaders, religious teachers, muftis, doctors, and civilians. Taymour added that all of them received political punishment for refusing to support Shia policies in Iraq.

Neither the Iraqi presidency nor the PUK has commented on these claims, although on October 17th, the Iraqi presidency denied that the president issued a decree for the mass execution of prisoners.

Three bills are currently being discussed in the Iraqi parliament, each supported by one community and opposed by another:

A law for a general amnesty, which the Sunni community demands but the Shia community rejects;

An amendment to the Personal Status Law, which is sought by the Shia but opposed by most other communities;

A law to annul the decisions of the Revolutionary Leadership Council, which would allow for the return of occupied Kurdish property in Kirkuk and surrounding areas—an action opposed by Sunni nationalists.

Observers believe that implementing the mass death penalty will lead Sunnis to abandon the amnesty law, as those advocating for their release may not survive. In this scenario, the passage of the bills favored by the Kurds and Shia could be jeopardized.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/865319

[Anthea]

Iraqi MP Accuses PUK of Blocking

KRG’s 24-Hour Electricity Plan

A member of Iraq’s Oil and Gas Committee has accused the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) of creating obstacles in the Kurdistan Regional Government’s (KRG) efforts to implement a 24-hour electricity project across Kurdistan

The project, known as the “Roonaki Project,” was launched on October 17 by Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and aims to provide continuous electricity access for the region.

Dr. Subhi Sabah, a committee member, alleged that the PUK’s actions disrupted electricity generation, causing an 80-megawatt shortage, and accused the party of “acting with a zone mentality” to create administrative friction and pressure on government projects. Sabah claimed the PUK has blocked crude oil delivery to the Tasluja and Sulaimani power plants, pushing the KRG to supply oil from Erbil instead, which could impede the distribution of electricity.

On October 31, the KRG’s Ministry of Natural Resources issued a statement confirming the diversion of crude oil from Sulaymaniyah to the power plants in an effort to maintain electricity distribution to citizens. Sabah criticized the PUK’s alleged tactics, accusing them of fostering division and using this crisis to extract political leverage.

Umed Ahmed, spokesperson for the KRG’s Ministry of Electricity, announced that after successful trials in Erbil, the 24-hour electricity project will soon be tested in Sulaimani and Duhok. Local administrations in both areas have been instructed to identify suitable sites for the project’s next phase.

In Duhok, the project has already shown positive results in locations like Amedi over an 18-month trial, according to Shaban Mohammed, the director of electricity control. “We were the first province to test the 24-hour prepaid electricity model and are ready to support the project’s expansion,” he said.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/865418

[Anthea]

International Probe into Sulaymaniyah

Drug Production

A prominent human rights defender has called for an international investigation into alleged drug production, trade, and distribution under the control of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) officials in areas governed by the party in Sulaymaniyah

Sheikh Mohammed Basari, a human rights advocate, revealed that evidence from Iraqi authorities points to a drug manufacturing facility operating in Darbandikhan, Sulaymaniyah province.

Basari referred to a recent 46-page report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which designates Sulaymaniyah as a hub for narcotics production and trafficking within the Kurdistan Region, Iraq, and European countries, allegedly under PUK oversight.

He highlighted specific cases, stating, “The report mentions two factories producing Captagon and methamphetamine (crystal) discovered in northern Sulaymaniyah in May 2024, including the Maidan opium factory near Darbandikhan, seized by Iraqi forces earlier this year.”

The Kurdistan Region’s Counter-Terrorism Unit recently shared images of approximately two tons of Captagon pills seized from this facility. Lahur Sheikh Jangi, head of the People’s Front, has alleged that the factory is owned by senior PUK officials

Basari further noted that the Darbandikhan factory operates under strict security, barring media access and limiting public knowledge about its activities. “To address this issue, it is essential to establish an international investigation committee to close all drug production sites in Sulaymaniyah,” he asserted.

On May 3, 2024, the Kurdistan Region’s General Directorate of Anti-Narcotics, working with international intelligence agencies and the Iraqi Ministry of Interior, seized a narcotics facility in the Maidan district bordering Sulaymaniyah.

Concerns over drug production in Sulaymaniyah province have escalated, with activists pressing the Kurdistan Regional Government’s tenth cabinet to prioritize anti-narcotics measures as part of a broader public safety initiative.

In early October, Iraqi Interior Ministry spokesperson Miqdad Miri confirmed the discovery of a drug factory in Sulaymaniyah, where multiple suspects were detained.

“We acted on intelligence about a factory in Darbandikhan, assembling a joint team to investigate,” Miri told Kurdistan 24 at the time. “The Directorate General of Combating Narcotics supported security forces during the raid, resulting in the factory’s seizure and arrests.”

Miri emphasized the ministry’s ongoing commitment to dismantling drug operations across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.

https://www.basnews.com/en/babat/865735