Longstanding family feud erupts into deadly shootout in Erbil province
HARIR, Kurdistan Region - A feud between two families in Erbil province left three people dead on Thursday as the government takes steps to tighten gun control laws.
The two families have fought for years over a plot of land in Harir sub-district near Shaqlawa. Through tribal mediation, it was agreed that one family would leave the area and not return. When that family was seen in Harir Thursday, a clash broke out.
Two members of one family were shot dead in the market, and a third was killed when the family sought revenge, scorching a home and vehicles of the other family.
Two police officers were also injured, one critically.
A staggering estimated 70 percent of people in the Kurdistan Region own weapons. Firearms can be purchased on the black market.
The cabinet on Wednesday approved a gun control bill that regulates arms sales and ownership. Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed in May said the government would tighten gun laws, but could not promise to shut down the market.
Translation and video editing by Sarkawt Mohammed
The two families have fought for years over a plot of land in Harir sub-district near Shaqlawa. Through tribal mediation, it was agreed that one family would leave the area and not return. When that family was seen in Harir Thursday, a clash broke out.
Two members of one family were shot dead in the market, and a third was killed when the family sought revenge, scorching a home and vehicles of the other family.
Two police officers were also injured, one critically.
A staggering estimated 70 percent of people in the Kurdistan Region own weapons. Firearms can be purchased on the black market.
The cabinet on Wednesday approved a gun control bill that regulates arms sales and ownership. Interior Minister Rebar Ahmed in May said the government would tighten gun laws, but could not promise to shut down the market.
Translation and video editing by Sarkawt Mohammed