Politician’s car explodes in Sulaimani, no casualties

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - The vehicle of a former politburo member of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) exploded in Sulaimani on Friday. No casualties were reported and security forces are investigating the cause.

The vehicle belonged to Ata Sarawi, a former member of the PUK politburo, Rudaw has learned. 

A source from Sarawi’s office told Rudaw on the condition of anonymity that the blast occurred when the politician and those accompanying him left the vehicle to have lunch at a nearby restaurant.

The incident took place in the Sarchnar neighborhood of northwestern Sulaimani. In addition to Sarawi’s Nissan Patrol, two other cars parked nearby were also damaged. 

Security forces said no one was injured and they are investigating.

No party has claimed responsibility.