However, in November 2005, the KIU withdrew from this coalition and announced that it would run separately from the other major Kurdish groups in the December 2005 Iraqi legislative election.
On December 2, 2011, after Friday prayers, unknown persons rampaged through the city of Zakho attacking liquor stores, beauty salons, a Chinese massage parlor, and several hotels.
The sale of alcohol in Iraq is often the preserve of Christians and Yezidis, who were disproportionate victims of the arson attacks.
The violence quickly spread throughout the Bahdinan area of Iraqi Kurdistan, to nearby Dohuk, and eventually as far as way as the south-eastern city of Sulaymaniyah.
Subsequent to the attacks, KDP supporters set fire to more than four KIU political and media offices throughout the Bahdinan area of Kurdistan Region.