Three members of the security forces in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region were killed and 19 wounded during the arrest of an opposition figure on Friday, security officials said.

Lahur Sheikh Jangi surrendered after barricading himself in a luxury hotel with his guards, said one official who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.

His brother Bolad was wounded and detained after hours of fighting that saw security forces use heavy artillery to dislodge them.

"Three law enforcement agents were killed, including one belonging to the Asayesh (special operations) branch, one from the anti-terrorist services and another from the 'Commandoes'," another official told AFP.

It is the second arrest of an opposition figure in Sulaimaniyah in less than two weeks, following the

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