Erbil police detain suspects over Habat village clashes

ERBIL, Iraq — Erbil Provincial Police Directorate said several individuals were detained in connection with unrest that broke out overnight in the village of Kerde Resha in the Habat district. According to a police statement, a group deliberately caused disturbances in the village on the night of August 23, 2026. Police units were dispatched to the area to protect lives and property and restore public order, the statement said. Those identified as having taken part in the incidents were apprehended based on judicial orders, and the investigation remains ongoing, with additional suspects to be tracked down, according to the directorate. The Erbil police said security and stability would not be allowed to deteriorate in the area and that the law would be applied firmly to protect private and public property. Authorities said the clashes, which occurred earlier on Sunday between members of the Herki tribe and Peshmerga forces, have revived concerns in the Kurdistan Region over unregulated weapons and fragmented security arrangements. No further details were immediately available.