ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Sulaimani’s deputy governor on Saturday said that the individuals whose properties were damaged during the clashes that erupted from the arrest operation of opposition leader Lahur Sheikh Jangi will be properly compensated.

PUK-affiliated forces in Sulaimani besieged the residence of Jangi, former PUK co-chair and current leader of the People’s Front, on Thursday under the pretext of having a warrant for his arrest. The opposition leader refused to surrender to the forces, leading to violent armed clashes that continued up until Friday morning.

In addition to the loss of life, the escalations resulted in heavy material damage, including damage to vehicles and houses of civilians in Sulaimani’s Sarchinar neighborhood.

In an interview with The New Region, Sulaimani Deputy Governor Shaho Osman extended condolences to the families of the deceased in the conflict, and assured the people of Sulaimani, as well as tourists, that “Sulaimani is secure,” and that there is no longer a security threat in the province.

When asked about material damage, Osman said that a joint committee comprised of various local authorities was formed upon “direct orders” from PUK leader Bafel Talabani and visited the affected area.

“The committee commenced its work today to repair the places that have been damaged and to compensate the citizens that have been affected,” said the deputy governor, adding that the damaged buildings will be reconstructed and the vehicles will be repaired.

“The process will continue until [the area] goes back to the way it used to be,” he added.

Osman also noted that no civilian casualties were incurred from the altercations.

Prior to the escalations, Salah Hassan, spokesperson for Sulaimani’s Appellate Court told The New Region that Jangi’s arrest warrant was issued under Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code, adding that this article does not require a prior notice as the suspect is accused of undermining public security.

The PUK-affiliated Kurdistan Region Security Agency (Asayish) on Friday afternoon said that Jangi was arrested in accordance with Article 406 of the Iraqi Penal Code.

Article 406 stipulates the death penalty for any person charged with willfully killing another, while Article 56 relates to devising “a criminal conspiracy.”

At least three security force members were killed and 19 others were wounded in the clashes, according to the Asayish statement. There are no confirmed reports on the number of casualties from Jangi’s side.