Nadir Barzani

Name: Nadir Barzani (search: first / last / full)

Aliases:
- The Ferryman (search)
- Al-Marakbi (search)

Status: Alive (in custody of PJHQ)
- Safely extracted during Op Toxon 04 from a safehouse in the city of Gerbalat

Location: Mushorah Airfield

Faction(s):
- Liwa al-Ra’d al-Khabur [LRK]

Affiliations: N/A

Description:
Known as “Al-Marakbi,” Nadir Barzani is assessed to be a route facilitator and practical commander for LRK activity around Faysh Khabur. Reporting suggests he has influence over river crossings, tunnel networks, and abandoned border infrastructure used to bypass official checkpoints. Barzani is linked to Taiya Oil Refinery as one of its majority owners and is believed to control a fleet of cargo vehicles used for freight, refinery logistics, and covert LRK movement. His legitimate business interests may provide cover for vehicle movements, guarded compounds, refinery access, and cross-border cargo runs.

Current assessment suggests Barzani also helps coordinate LRK manpower, drawing on local smugglers, tribal gunmen, paid guards, committed militia fighters, and better-equipped militia elements. This may explain the inconsistent appearance, discipline, and equipment seen among hostile groups in the region. We believe he is valued for keeping rival local elements aligned, but LRK leadership may keep him at a distance, likely viewing him as useful but self-serving, with loyalties tied more to local influence, business interests, and personal control than the group’s wider objectives.

First Introduction: Op Toxon 02 - 2026/05/09 - 02D. River crossing and convoy status