On December 15, at the Koya checkpoint, several KDP officials and their bodyguards were prevented from going to Sulaimani. In response, at Degala and Smaqoli checkpoints, a minister, a member of the Political Bureau, and a member of the PUK leadership were prevented from going to Erbil.

 The General Security Directorate – Erbil said in a clarification: On Monday, at the Koya border checkpoint, forces affiliated with that checkpoint prevented several KDP officials and their bodyguards from heading to Sulaimani and told them that, without prior coordination, they could not enter the Sulaimani area. This caused surprise, because movement for citizens throughout the Kurdistan Region is free, and all bodyguards are permitted to carry weapons.

In response to that action, measures at the checkpoints were tightened, and movement was restricted; however, after clarification was given that what happened was a mistake and not intentional, the situation at the checkpoints returned to normal. We request that such incidents not be repeated and that accountability be pursued against those who created this situation.

According to Draw’s follow-up, at the Degala checkpoint—after the incident at the Koya checkpoint— Fahmi Burhan, head of the Board of the Kurdistani Areas Outside the Region (with ministerial rank), and a member of the PUK Political Bureau, who were traveling from Sulaimani to Erbil, were prevented from entering Erbil and turned back. At the Smaqoli checkpoint, Luqman Wardi, a member of the PUK leadership, was also prevented from going to Erbil and was turned back.