Kirkuk family attacked by biker gang in home assault with 14 suspects at large

KIRKUK — A family in Kirkuk’s Al-Wasiti neighborhood was attacked by a group of 17 motorcyclists who surrounded their home and assaulted them with knives and clubs, injuring several members during an hourlong incident captured on surveillance footage.

The attack occurred after a member of the group allegedly harassed a woman at an intersection and followed her to her home. Her husband, Omar Farouq, told 964media he immediately contacted police. “One of the gang members stood outside our house claiming he wanted to apologize. I called the police immediately, but they didn’t arrive for nearly an hour,” he said.

According to Farouq, the man summoned 15 others when officers failed to show. “They attacked my entire family with knives, causing injuries and fractures. The police arrived more than 10 minutes after the gang had already fled.”

Three suspects were later arrested, but 14 others remain at large.

Ali Farouq, also injured in the attack, said the family is seeking justice through legal channels. “We are demanding our legal rights and will not resort to tribal customs. All we want is for the law to take its course. It’s unacceptable for such reckless individuals to be roaming our city without accountability.”

In many Iraqi communities, disputes are often resolved through tribal mediation known as sulha, which can allow perpetrators to avoid formal prosecution. The family rejected this approach, urging authorities to act swiftly.

“There are 14 members of the gang still out there,” Ali said. “We demand their immediate arrest because they pose a danger to the city.”

Farouq Aswad, the 65-year-old head of the family, said he suffered multiple fractures in his hands and jaw. “Despite my age, they had no hesitation in assaulting me, my wife, and my daughter-in-law,” he said.

A formal complaint has been filed with the local police. Authorities have not issued an official statement on the incident or the status of the investigation.