Tensions have escalated in Halabja after the Kurdistan Social Democratic Party (KSDP) accused local security forces of arresting its Peshmerga fighters. The incident occurred following an exchange of gunfire near a KSDP base on the Halabja-Said Sadiq road.
According to a senior KSDP official, a vehicle opened fire near a party checkpoint on August 3. The KSDP’s Peshmerga responded by chasing the attackers and returning fire. During the clash, several bullets struck a civilian car. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Shortly after the confrontation, security forces reportedly set up a new checkpoint close to Gulkhana village, where the KSDP has a strong presence. The party claims that security forces began arresting anyone carrying a KSDP Peshmerga ID card. So far, the party says at least nine fighters have been detained and placed in solitary confinement.
However, both the police and Halabja’s security directorate strongly denied the accusations. Amir Burhan, head of the security office, stated that no arrests had occurred. Additionally, police spokesperson Akam Qutbuddin confirmed that no such cases had been documented.
The KSDP, led by Mohammed Haji Mahmoud, operates a loyal paramilitary force. These fighters were active during the war against ISIS, particularly in the Kirkuk region. Despite their military role, the party continues to face friction with regional authorities.
Now, the disagreement between Halabja officials and the KSDP raises concerns over the treatment of party-affiliated forces and the tense relationship between political groups and local security institutions.