Asayish Confirms U.S. Mercenary Linked to Illegal Lalezar Militia in Custody

PUKMEDIA

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The Kurdistan Region Security Agency (Asayish) has confirmed that a U.S. citizen arrested in Lalezar is in custody and will face legal proceedings.

Asayish Spokesperson Colonel Salam Abdulkhaliq told GK TV that Brian Wilson, an American national, was detained on the night of the Lalezar incident on 22 August 2025. 

Following interrogation, Wilson reportedly confessed to independently assisting in the creation and training of an illegal armed group known as the Scorpion Force, without the knowledge or consent of the United States.

Colonel Abdulkhaliq stated that Wilson had acted as a mercenary responsible for providing military training. He was arrested under a warrant issued by the Asayish investigation judge and is currently being held by Kurdistan Region security forces.

“The law will be enforced against him,” the spokesperson affirmed.

On 22 August 2025, armed clashes broke out in Sulaymaniyah as the Kurdistan Region Asayish forces went on a duty to arrest Lahur Jangi, leader of the People’s Front, at the Lalezar Hotel under a judicial warrant issued pursuant to Article 56 of the Iraqi Penal Code. Despite repeated calls for a peaceful surrender, according to the Asayish, Jangi and his associates resisted, declaring they commanded a militia, and opened fire on the Asayish.

The clashes lasted three hours before security forces brought the hotel under control, arresting Lahur and his brother Polad Jangi. Three members of the security forces were martyred during the operation. Sulaymaniyah Court Spokesperson confirmed the defendants now face further charges under Article 406 of the Penal Code, relating to premeditated murder.

Furthermore, over 100 militia members of the so-called Scorpion Force were arrested by the Asayish. 


PUKMEDIA