Erbil police arrest two brothers over murder, public order charges

ERBIL, Iraq — Erbil Provincial Police Directorate said two brothers from the Hırki tribe, Hurşid Latif and Haydar Latif, were taken into custody on charges of murder, inciting disorder and provoking security forces. The directorate said the two were detained under a judicial order on July 5, 2026, and will be referred to judicial authorities for trial. According to the directorate, the suspects are accused of involvement in a series of recent incidents, including the seizure of civilian and public property, the deaths of a Peshmerga fighter and a civilian, the burning of military equipment belonging to the Peshmerga, and acts of incitement against public order in several areas. Police said the two brothers have been transferred to the relevant judicial bodies to face prosecution. Erbil police said the safety of citizens and public property is being protected, the rule of law will be upheld and that no individual attempting to undermine security and stability will be allowed to act with impunity. The arrests come against the backdrop of tribal clashes last July in the Habat district, west of Erbil, between the Hırki and Koran tribes over disputes related to agricultural land and a water channel. Those clashes turned violent and resulted in casualties after Zêrevanî Peshmerga forces intervened to restore order.