Meet PUK Counter-Terrorism Leader Luay Muhammad Raza Accused of Hawkar Jaff terror
A shocking development has rocked the Kurdistan Region as captain Luay Muhammad Raza, a high-ranking officer in the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) counter-terrorism unit, finds himself at the center of a major scandal. Raza, who oversees counter-terrorism operations in the Kirkuk and garmian region, has been accused by the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) Security Council of orchestrating the assassination of Hawkar Jaff, whose car was blown up in Erbil.
A Chilling Admission
In a widely circulated video subtitled in English by Kurdfile, Luay Muhammad Raza brazenly declared his loyalty to PUK leader Bafel Talabani and anti-terrorism chief Wahab Halabjaei. In his shocking statement, Raza shamelessly admitted his willingness to kill “ten times over” on their orders, sparking outrage and fear across the Kurdistan Region. The video appears to have been recorded during an armed rally, where a crowd of PUK supporters responded with enthusiastic applause, seemingly endorsing his chilling remarks.
Tensions Between PUK and KDP
The incident has deepened the already tense rivalry between the PUK and KDP, the two dominant political forces in the Kurdistan Region. The KDP’s anti-terrorism forces have accused the PUK of being behind the deadly attack and announced their intent to prosecute several PUK leaders, including Raza. This marks a significant escalation in the long-standing political and security rivalry between the parties.
Public Outrage and Calls for Justice
The public has reacted with anger and concern over the implications of Raza’s statements and the ongoing political infighting. Many are demanding a transparent investigation into the assassination and the broader role of political interference in the region’s counter-terrorism operations.
“This is not counter-terrorism; this is state-sponsored terrorism,” said one activist, who wished to remain anonymous. “How can a government function when its leaders openly endorse murder and operate above the law?”
What’s Next?
The assassination of Hawkar Jaff and the fallout from Luay Muhammad Raza’s statements threaten to plunge the Kurdistan Region into deeper political and social turmoil. As the KDP pushes for legal action and the PUK rallies behind its leadership, the region teeters on the brink of a political and security crisis.
Will justice prevail, or will this incident further expose the cracks in the Kurdistan Region’s fragile governance? The world is watching.