Authorities in Sulaymaniyah confirmed that dozens of trees, aged around 20 years, were illegally cut down in the Mergapan area.
The Forest and Environment Police Directorate announced that the incident took place in the mountainous region within Mergapan’s borders. According to their report, 41 trees between 10 and 20 years old were felled, causing serious environmental damage.
Colonel Hemen Kamerkhan, spokesperson for the Forest and Environment Police in Sulaymaniyah, said the illegal logging happened during the evening. He explained that the department immediately launched an investigation after discovering the destruction.
Kamerkhan stressed that the police filed a formal complaint with the investigating judge. He noted that legal action will be pursued against those responsible, and security teams are working to identify the culprits.
Environmental activists in the region expressed concern over the cutting of young trees, warning that such acts threaten biodiversity and worsen deforestation in an already fragile ecosystem. They urged stronger enforcement of forestry protection laws and stricter penalties for offenders.
The Sulaymaniyah Forest Police emphasized that preserving green areas is essential for protecting the local climate, reducing erosion, and safeguarding wildlife habitats. They called on residents to cooperate in reporting any cases of illegal tree cutting in order to protect natural resources for future generations.