Two killed in clashes between security forces, Herki tribe in Erbil’s Khabat district

ERBIL — Armed clashes broke out Tuesday evening between security forces and members of the Herki tribe in Gardarash village, Erbil governorate’s Khabat district, leaving two people dead and several others wounded, officials said. The fighting continued into early Wednesday.

The confrontation began when security forces entered the village to arrest Khurshid Herki, a prominent tribal figure, on charges of causing public disorder. Armed residents resisted, sparking a gun battle.

Video circulating online showed two military Humvees in flames. The dead were identified as Falah Hassan, a member of the KDP-affiliated Zeravani forces from Kifri, and Masoud Salih, a Herki tribesman. The number of injured was not confirmed.

The violence stems from longstanding land disputes between the Herki and Goran tribes over agricultural territory in the Bashiriyan, Kalkana, and Hanjarok areas.

A previous altercation on July 3 escalated into gunfire between the tribes. The Erbil Security Directorate later said three suspects were arrested under judicial warrants and that an investigation was ongoing.

As tensions grew, armed Herki members blocked access to Gardarash and vowed not to surrender Herki. In a video posted online, fighters were seen establishing defensive positions.

In an effort to de-escalate, the Kurdistan Democratic Party — which governs Erbil and Duhok — sent a delegation to negotiate with tribal leaders.

Senior Herki figure Jahwar Agha urged defiance. “We, the Herki, will not accept injustice. Those who came to humiliate us today must be confronted from all directions,” he said.

Authorities have not issued official statements. Media access to the village has been restricted, and a crew from NRT TV was arrested while attempting to report and remains in custody.