ERBIL — The Kurdistan Region’s Counter-Terrorism Unit has issued a statement condemning the recent kidnapping and murder incidents in Sulaimaniyah involving Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) special forces.

"The duty of the military and security institutions is to protect the security and property of the citizens, not to use them in political conflicts to kill civilians and spread fear and intimidation that is incompatible with the principles of the military and security forces,” the statement read.

On the night of July 27, a young tea vendor named Ari was killed in the Raperin neighborhood of Sulaimaniyah. Local security forces stated they had responded to the scene, arrested the suspect, and detained a commando force employee on charges of aiding the killer.

Additionally, a PUK commando force abducted Hardi Ismail, the director of Bazian police, taking him to an unknown location. This incident occurred just two days after two citizens were wounded by a PUK commando.

The statement expressed concern over the ongoing incidents in Sulaimaniyah, noting that these actions are being conducted under the guise of the military and security apparatus, resulting in citizens being arrested, kidnapped, tortured, and killed without due legal process.

"These actions undermine the name and greatness of the military and security apparatus, whose main task is to protect the property of the beloved citizens of Kurdistan, and instead spread fear, anxiety, and intimidation," the statement continued.

The Counter-Terrorism Unit emphasized that the military and security institutions should protect citizens' security and property, not be used in political conflicts to harm civilians and spread fear.

"We reiterate that the military and security apparatus should not be involved in personal, political, and partisan conflicts and should not be used for personal and unilateral interests."

In recent months, PUK forces have been accused of arresting local civilians, journalists, and activists in the province. So far, no individuals close to Bafel Talabani have been held accountable for these actions.