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July 09, 2025 – Iraq/Kurdistan –
Deadly clashes erupted in the Khabat district of Erbil on the night of July 7, 2025, exposing deepening rifts between the Herki tribe and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP). The violence, which reportedly claimed at least two lives—one from each side—and left several wounded, is the latest in a series of confrontations that reflect long-standing tensions over land, power, and political dominance in the Kurdish region.
According to reports from NRT TV and The Insight International, the confrontation involved armed Herki tribesmen and security forces affiliated with the KDP, specifically Peshmerga units. The clash was reportedly triggered by allegations of provocation and interference by KDP forces in tribal territories, a sensitive issue that has historically sparked unrest. The Herki tribe, with a long-standing presence in the area, views the KDP’s growing encroachment as an existential threat to their autonomy and dignity.
In a fiery statement following the violence, a Herki tribal leader accused the authorities of “lawlessness and injustice,” calling upon all Kurdish tribes to unite in resistance against what they described as systemic oppression. The language used underscored not only the immediate anger over the deaths but also the wider sense of political marginalization felt by tribal communities in the KRI.
Beyond the battlefield, the fallout from the clashes spread to the media. NRT TV reported that one of its journalists was kidnapped in Bardarash by individuals linked to KDP forces. The reporter was reportedly taken to an undisclosed location, sparking concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists operating in conflict zones within the Kurdish region. No official statement has been released on the journalist’s condition or whereabouts.
Meanwhile, broader unrest is beginning to bubble. In Qaladze, youth protesters blocked roads in frustration over joblessness and unpaid wages, indicating that the violence in Khabat may be a symptom of deeper socioeconomic instability. Unless the Kurdistan Regional Government acts swiftly to address both political grievances and public anger, these local sparks risk igniting a wider regional fire.
Reference –
https://nrttv.com/En/detail6/6246
Deadly clashes erupt between Herki tribe, Barzani forces in Iraqi Kurdistan
