Five arrested for illegal fishing and tree felling in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH — Forest and Environment Police in Sulaymaniyah have arrested five individuals for illegal fishing and tree-cutting in Kalar and Chingian village, authorities confirmed.

A patrol unit from the Kalar branch of the Garmian Forest and Environment Police Directorate apprehended four citizens near the Sirwan River, while they were illegally fishing using electric equipment.

Authorities confiscated one electric generator, a vehicle, and 20 illegally caught fish during the operation.

The police emphasized that legal proceedings have been initiated against the detainees, and they have been referred to the court.

In a separate incident, Sulaymaniyah’s Forest and Environment Police reported the arrest of an individual in the Chingian village area for illegally cutting down trees.

This part of ongoing operations to combat environmental violations in the Kurdistan Region. Last week, authorities in Mawat district, Sulaymaniyah governorate, dismantled four charcoal pits and arrested four individuals connected to the operation. The detainees include the owner of the pits and three others accused of illegally cutting down trees to provide wood for charcoal production.

In December alone, more than 15 individuals have been arrested in Sulaymaniyah governorate for involvement in illegal logging and charcoal production.

As of late-October, there were 30 cases of illegal logging in the Pshdar area, Sulaymaniyah. The unauthorized cutting of trees has caused environmental damage, while the area’s green coverage in urban areas remains below 7%. The residents cited the high price of household oil as the cause leading them to cut down the trees. The oil price is nearly 150,000 Iraqi dinars ($98), far beyond the means of most families in the area.