ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Erbil Governor Omed Xoshnaw on Monday denied reports that an Arab driver was killed by Kurdish security forces (Asayish), clarifying that the incident resulted from a dispute between civilians. His remarks come as Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) officials have also confirmed to Rudaw their continued efforts to enforce stricter gun control measures.
Xoshnaw said the altercation took place late Sunday night on the Qushtapa road, south of Erbil, involving several drivers working along the main route connecting the Kurdish capital to Baghdad.
“Several drivers from Erbil-Baghdad offices got into a fight on Qushtapa road, and the driver, who was Arab, was killed,” the governor told Rudaw, rejecting social media claims that Kurdish security forces were involved.
The victim was identified as Mo’ayad Abdullah Mza’el, a Baghdad resident who worked for one of the Erbil-Baghdad transport offices.
“The Kurdistan Region’s security forces had nothing to do with the unfortunate incident,” Xoshnaw emphasized, adding that “the fight broke out between several civilians.” He noted that the victim’s body was transferred to the forensic medicine department before being sent back to Baghdad.
Additional information obtained by Rudaw indicated that the suspects involved in the incident are residents of Erbil.
The killing sparked widespread reaction among Iraqi social media users on Monday following initial reports alleging security force involvement.
Erbil police have launched an investigation into the deadly altercation.
KRG curbs gun access
The incident coincides with the KRG’s ongoing campaign to regulate private gun ownership and curb the spread of unlicensed weapons across the Region.
“This is the first time in the Kurdistan Region that efforts are being made to organize and control gun ownership,” Hemin Mirani, director general of the KRG interior ministry’s office, told Rudaw on Monday.
According to Mirani, the ministry has established 90 registration centers across the Region. “Since the enactment of Weapons Law No. 2 of 2022, 17,000 weapons have been registered at police stations,” he said.
Under Article 15 of the law, passed by the Kurdistan Parliament on March 1, 2022, possession, sale, or repair of unlicensed weapons is punishable by one to three years in prison.
Security personnel and employees of private security companies are also prohibited from taking their weapons home after work. “This is a long process,” Mirani noted, explaining that new security facilities will include proper storage areas for firearms.
The law further stipulates that applicants for a gun license must be at least 21 years old, have no criminal or security record, and demonstrate a valid reason for carrying a firearm.
“Employees of security companies are only allowed to carry weapons at their designated locations, and only in highly sensitive areas,” Mirani added.
After voluntary registration, those seeking a license must apply through the interior ministry, where their eligibility is reviewed before approval. Mirani said the reorganization process is “progressing very well.”
The ministry is also developing special zones for the sale, purchase, and repair of firearms under its direct supervision. Construction guidelines for these areas have passed the tender stage and have been awarded to several companies in partnership with the government.
“No weapons will enter these communities unless they are registered with the government, and these areas will remain under full security control,” Mirani said.
Soran Hussein and Payam Sarbast contributed to this report.