Three arrested in Duhok for burning tires during Newroz celebrations

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Three people were arrested for allegedly burning tires in Duhok on Sunday, while authorities in the city seized hundreds of tires, Duhok police said, amid a crackdown on setting fire to them over environmental concerns.

"Police have managed to arrest three people on charges of burning tires and have seized 200 automobile tires prepared for burning," read the statement from Duhok police.

Tire burning in recent years has been prohibited and discouraged as locals make greater effort to be more environmentally conscious.

Locals in Akre, known as the Kurdish capital of Newroz, in recent years have switched to burning torches, in an effort to reduce high levels of pollution caused by burning tires.

The statement from Duhok police emphasized that "burning car tires and shooting is forbidden."

On Saturday, Duhok Governor Ali Tatar called on people to refrain from shooting during Newroz, asking police to take legal procedures against the shooters.

Known as Newroz, Kurds celebrate their New Year on March 21-23 by picnicking in the countryside and lighting bonfires with their families and loved ones.

Large celebrations and festivities are held across the Kurdistan Region with hundreds of thousands of Kurds dancing in their colorful and traditional Kurdish clothes.

Thousands of tourists from across Iraq have also flocked to the Region for Newroz celebrations.