Peregraf - The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Interior on Saturday issued a strongly worded statement accusing “external hands” and “internal instigators” of attempting to destabilize the Kurdistan Region through coordinated acts of unrest, including disturbances earlier in the day on the Gweir–Erbil road that left one person dead and several others wounded.
According to the KRG ministry, recent efforts to “sow chaos” began with the attack on the Kormor Gas Field, which disrupted electricity production across the Kurdistan Region. In response, the KRG "shifted to using liquid fuel to maintain power generation". The ministry said a group of rioters—“instigated internally and externally”—then blocked the Gweir–Erbil road, "targeting fuel tankers and travelers and opening fire on civilians".
“As a result of the shooting by these individuals, one citizen was killed and several others were wounded,” the statement said, adding that the KRG “will no longer allow the good intentions of the institutions of the Kurdistan Region to be exploited.” Authorities vowed to confront “subversive acts” and enforce the law, warning that “no one is above the law.”
In Erbil, a young man was killed on Saturday when security forces opened fire during a demonstration outside the Lanaz Refinery, heightening tensions between local residents and authorities.
The protest was organized by residents of Lajan village on Erbil-Gwer Road, who gathered to demand employment opportunities for local youth at the Lanaz oil refinery. Villagers say they live closest to the facility yet are routinely excluded from hiring decisions.
A witness who filmed the fatal moment told Peregraf that the victim was shot by Lanaz Asayish. “He was killed by the shooting of Lanaz Asayish,” the witness said. Sources reported that the confrontation escalated when protesters insisted on speaking directly with refinery management. Peshmerga forces and security units deployed around the refinery attempted to disperse the crowd, leading to the use of live ammunition.
How did the clash near Lanaz oil refinery unfold?
A few days ago, residents of Lajan village on Erbil- Gwer Road blockaded the road to the Lanaz Company, accusing the firm of failing to provide jobs for locals. According to members of the Harki tribe who the residents of Lajan Village in Erbil, they were promised before the recent Iraqi parliamentary elections that if they purchased 120 fuel tankers, they would be hired immediately after the vote. However, the Harkis claim that after they bought the trucks, the company reneged on the agreement.
Earlier this week, the villagers staged a protest outside the Lanaz oil refinery. Tensions escalated when, according to the Harkis, a company representative swore by the grave of Mullah Mustafa Barzani that the locals would not be hired. In response, Shukur, a young Harki man, appeared on several media outlets and retorted by swearing on the grave of Mohi (the father of Jawhar Agha Harki) that unless they were given work, they would not allow the company to operate there.
Following these remarks, a special forces unit arrived in four military vehicles and detained Shukur. The villagers gathered outside the company demanding his release, but the security forces told them to wait while they sought orders from their superiors.
During the standoff, a military Humvee approached the crowd. The protesters asked the vehicle to pull back to avoid escalating the situation. However, the Harkis claim the vehicle refused to withdraw and instead opened fire to disperse the demonstrators.
One person was killed by the gunfire; he was apparently a driver and not a member of the Harki tribe, the protesters.
The confrontation subsequently grew into a wider clash, with gunfire exchanged by both sides. Current reports indicate that two people have been killed and more than 13 injured. Other unconfirmed sources suggest the death toll may exceed four.