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Eight Turkish Soldiers Die from Gas During Iraq Cave Operation

July 7, 2025, 1:18 pm

Eight Turkish troops were killed after coming into contact with methane gas during a search mission in a cave in northern Iraq, a defence ministry statement on Monday said.

The ministry described how the accident occurred on Sunday while troops were conducting a mission to retrieve the body of a Turkish soldier who had been assassinated during a previous military campaign against the banned Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK).

The ministry further indicated that ‘eleven other soldiers who are also exposed to the gas in the cave have been taken to the hospital for treatment’.

(This is a developing story)

Iran Attacks US Air Base: Kuwait, Iraq, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain Close Airspace, What You Need To Know

June 24, 2025, 12:41 am

In a major escalation in West Asia, Iran confirmed that it launched missile strikes on the US-run Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar as retaliation for recent American attacks on its nuclear facilities. The strike has prompted Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates to shut down their airspace “until further notice,” disrupting aviation routes across one of the world’s busiest regions for international air travel.

Gulf Tensions Soar After Missile Strikes

Iran’s National Security Council released a statement on Monday, confirming the strike. “In response to the US aggressive and insolent action against Iran’s nuclear sites and facilities, a few hours ago, the powerful armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran struck the US air base in Al-Udeid, Qatar,” the statement read. The council also noted that the number of missiles used matched the number of bombs dropped by the US during its recent attacks.

While Iran insisted the operation posed “no threat” to Qatar, its government strongly condemned the missile strike. “We express the State of Qatar’s strong condemnation of the attack on Al Udeid Air Base by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and consider it a flagrant violation of the State of Qatar’s sovereignty and airspace, as well as of international law,” said foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari.

Airspace Closures Disrupt Aviation

Following the attack, Qatar announced the temporary closure of its airspace, citing “precautionary measures” in response to regional instability. This forced multiple flights to divert from Doha.

Other Gulf nations followed suit. Bahrain suspended air traffic, calling the move “a precautionary measure in light of recent regional developments,” according to Bahrain News Agency. Kuwait’s Civil Aviation Directorate also declared an indefinite airspace closure, citing security concerns and regional precedents.

The United Arab Emirates joined the precautionary measures. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 confirmed the disruption, stating, “Lots of aircraft are forced to turn around.”

A US defence official confirmed that Al Udeid was targeted by both short-range and medium-range ballistic missiles launched from Iran, but added, “there are no reports of US casualties.”

The Al Udeid base is one of the US military’s most critical assets in West Asia, and the latest exchange underscores rising regional instability with broader implications for global security and air travel.

Deadly Sandstorms Strike Iraq, Hospitalizing Over 1,800 As Climate Crisis Intensifies

April 15, 2025, 8:31 pm

A huge sandstorm sweeping through central and southern Iraq has caused over 1,800 hospitalizations for respiratory problems, with health officials citing the rising intensity of such occurrences in the context of climate change.

Mazen al-Egeili, a local government official in the southern Muthanna province, said at least 700 were hospitalized on Monday from suffocation. Such reports were filed also in the Najaf, Diwaniyah, Dhi Qar, and Basra provinces as hundreds of people, including children, were treated for shortness of breath. In Basra and Najaf, airports were even closed for a while as visibility was greatly impaired as dust covered streets and landmarks.

The sandstorm, the year’s biggest, also resulted in electricity outages throughout the hit areas. Paramedics were deployed to public places to help those experiencing respiratory problems. Local weather authorities are forecasting the conditions to ease by Tuesday, but climate experts say that sandstorms are occurring more and more often because of the current climate crisis.

Iraq’s environment ministry has alerted of additional “dust days” to come, with scientists pointing to desertification and minimal rain as primary drivers. The United Nations has classed Iraq among the five countries most vulnerable to climate change, and desertification has already engulfed 71% of Iraq’s cultivatable land, with another 10,000 hectares becoming desolate annually.

In 2022, a sandstorm killed one person and hospitalized more than 5,000. Experts believe that the worsening of the situation is being added to by desertification and poor water management, rather than climate change. The World Bank has estimated a 20% decline in the water resources in Iraq by 2050, further worsening the situation.

The crisis emphasizes the necessity of long-term environmental policy change in Iraq to deal with the worsening of these situations.

Gunmen Open Fire On Iraqi Consulate In Istanbul, Flee After Firing Multiple Shots

March 22, 2025, 3:10 am

Motorcycle gunmen attacked the Iraqi consulate in Istanbul on Friday night, shooting eight bullets at the exterior of the building before escaping, Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Oncu Keceli confirmed the assault, saying that there had been no reports of casualties or major damage. “The required investigation is being conducted assiduously by our security units, and identification procedures are under way. The attackers will be brought to justice,” Keceli said in a press statement.

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry said the attackers had AK-47 assault rifles but did not announce an immediate motive for the attack. Iraqi officials reacted by praising Turkey’s rapid response and by urging enhanced security to safeguard diplomatic missions in compliance with international commitments.

Turkish officials have begun investigating to try to identify and capture the culprits.

Iraq Conducts First Census in 40 Years, Population Hits 46.1 Million

February 25, 2025, 2:06 pm

Iraq’s first official population census in nearly 40 years has recorded a total of 46.1 million people, according to final results released on Monday. As reported by the Associated Press (AP), this marks a significant milestone for the country’s planning and development.

A significant milestone for Iraq

During a press conference, Iraqi Planning Minister Mohammed Tamim highlighted the census as a significant accomplishment. “This census demonstrates the government’s determination to improve conditions in the country,” he stated, according to AP.

Authorities believe the collected data will aid in resource allocation and economic planning following years of conflict and instability.

Urban and economic differences

The census gathered comprehensive data on living conditions throughout Iraq, including the semi-autonomous Kurdish region.

According to AP, 70.2% of the population in federal Iraq resides in urban areas, whereas the proportion is higher in the Kurdish region at 84.6%. Employment rates were also higher in Kurdish areas, with 46% of the population being economically active, compared to 41.6% in federal Iraq.

The census data on education revealed that primary school enrollment stood at 93% in the Kurdish region, while it was 88% in the rest of Iraq. However, federal Iraq had greater access to essential services such as potable water, electricity, and home ownership.

Distribution of resources

Minister Tamim stressed that the census would contribute to a fairer distribution of resources across Iraq. “For the first time in four decades, Iraq has successfully conducted a full census, helping ensure more equitable resource allocation,” he stated, according to AP.

The final 2024 population count of 46.1 million reflects an increase of over 1 million from the preliminary estimate of 45.4 million released in November. In 2009, an unofficial estimate had placed Iraq’s population at 31.6 million.

Iraq Bans Five More Banks From US Dollar Transactions Amid US Pressure On Iran Ties

February 16, 2025, 10:26 pm

Iraq’s central bank will exclude five more domestic banks from conducting transactions in dollars after the banks sat with US Treasury officials to attempt to stem money laundering, dollar smuggling, and other forms of financial abuse, sources reported on Sunday.

The action follows meetings last week in Dubai between representatives of the US Treasury and Federal Reserve and officials from the CBI. The move is an extension of last year’s ban on eight Iraqi banks from US dollar transactions.

A US ally and an ally of Iran, Iraq possesses over $100 billion in American reserves and relies on Washington’s assistance to maintain access to the financial system and its oil revenues intact. However, heightened tensions can place Iraq in a tricky position, especially following US President Donald Trump last week announcing his plans to introduce his “maximum pressure” strategy against Iran for a second time.

Iran has long viewed Iraq as an essential economic partner, leveraging its influence through powerful Shi’ite militias and political factions. The country also benefits from Iraq’s banking system to secure hard currency and bypass US sanctions. In December, Reuters reported that a sophisticated fuel oil smuggling operation, allegedly generating over $1 billion annually for Iran and its affiliates, had expanded under Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s tenure since 2022.

While the newly banned banks Al-Mashreq Al-Arabi Islamic Bank, United Bank for Investment, Al Sanam Islamic Bank, Misk Islamic Bank, and Amin Iraq for Islamic Investment and Finance continue to operate and are free to deal in other currencies, being kept out of US dollar transactions greatly disables them from doing international business.

At the same time, three payment service providers Amawl, AL-Saqi Payment, and Aqsa Payment were banned. The US Treasury and Iraqi central bank have not announced the action officially.

Iraqi Airstrike Kills Four Islamic State Militants, Including Two Senior Leaders

January 11, 2025, 9:44 pm

Four Islamic State militants, including two top commanders, have been killed in an airstrike by Iraqi aircraft in the Hamrin Mountains of eastern Iraq, security officials confirmed on Saturday.

The Iraqi Security Media Cell, which is responsible for the release of official security updates, said that the bodies of the militants were found after Iraqi F-16 fighter jets conducted an airstrike on Friday.

Talib Al-Mousawi is an official within Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), a coalition of armed factions was established in 2014 and later integrated into an official security force to combat the IS. It was reported by the Security Media Cell that, in Diyala province, there were two strong IS leaders who got eliminated in this strike. Investigation is continuing for the identification of the fourth militant.

At its height between 2014 and 2017, the IS “caliphate” exercised brutal control over vast swaths of Iraq and Syria, meting out death and torture to local communities and projecting its influence across the Middle East. The group’s dominance was broken in Iraq in 2017 and in Syria by 2019 after months of military pressure from a US led coalition.

Although the caliphate is destroyed, the remnants of IS have spread to independent cells. The leadership of the group is kept secret, and the total numbers are hard to estimate, according to UN sources, which set their strength in core territories at approximately 10,000 members.

Palestinians face an uncertain future

January 10, 2025, 12:46 am

Saddam Husain in Iraq, Col Qaddafi in Libya and Hafiz al Assad in Syria came to power overthrowing ruthlessly oppressive regimes. Initially, they were perceived by people as harbingers of a new more tolerant Govts which will change their lives for the better. Regrettably, the new rulers increasingly used the intolerant, oppressive and authoritarian ways of their predecessors. To remain in power, they resorted to constant surveillance of their people and scared them of severe punishment for slightest signs of dissent; their loyal, henchmen brutally sniffed out all perceived threat to the regime. Disregard of the civil liberties wasn’t the only flaw of these regimes; they were corrupt, inefficient and guilty of economic mismanagement. Slowly, these regimes lost pulse of the people who were seething with anger, bitterness and hatred and waiting for their fall.
Bashar Assaad’s surprisingly swift collapse of power followed this trajectory. When in 1994, following the death of his elder brother Bassel in a car accident, Bashar was recalled by his father from London to groom as his heir, none could have imagined that he would soon outshine his father in centralisation of authority and conducting a ruthless, authoritarian and corrupt govt unconcerned about people’s problems.

He joined the Military academy and obtained the rank of a Colonel.In1998 he was made in charge of the Syrian occupation of Lebanon. Following the assassination of the Lebanese PM Rafiq Hariri, Lebanon witnessed Cedar revolution characterised by anti-Syria protests which forced Assad to end the Lebanese occupation in 2005.
Earlier, he had put down the Damascus Spring (2001-2002) when activists demanded certain degree of transparency in governance and democracy with a heavy hand.

Though Assad belonged to Alawite clan which was a small minority in a predominantly a Sunny state, Assad filled all key post in the party, Govt and in the armed forces with family loyalist from his community which fanned sectarian divide.
His initial attempts at economic liberalisation had increased the hardships of the common people. In a short span of time, his personalised totalitarian police state brooking no opposition and resorting to extreme repression manged to alienate the rural population as well urban middle class, business community and many in his own Baath party.
In 2011-12, faced with widespread protests in Syria inspired by the Arab Spring, he ordered military clamp down. While Hilari Clinton, US Secretary of State pronounced that Bashar had lost all legitimacy, President Obama asked him to step down and facilitate the transition to a new elected Govt. But he survived; both Russia & China vetoed several UN resolutions which proposed imposition of severe sanctions on Syria. Iran and Egypt stood by him. Russia carried out extensive air strike against the ISIL (Islamic state for Iraq and Levant) but also against the Rebel fighters who were waging war against Bashar. At its peak, Russian military personnels were allegedly manning Syrian air defence system & armoured vehicles. They were also offering surveillance equipment & electronic warfare, helicopters, guided bombs radar etc. By 2015, thanks to Russian bombing, shacky position of Bashar Assad had been stabilised. By 2023, besides their Air Base in Lattakia and Naval Base in Tartus, Russia reportedly had 20 military bases and 85 other military points in Syria.

Iran allegedly extended financial assistance to the tune of US$ 9 billion; it’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards became the logistic hub to support Hezbollah in Lebanon. Some Western media reports allege, 10,000 Iranian fighters were in Syria to bolster Bashar’s regime. By 2023 Iran allegedly had 55 military bases and 512 other military points in Syria.
Iraq also supplied financial help & diesel. It allowed trucks with food items and possibly weapons pass through to Syria & let Iran use its air space to attack ISIL. Egypt also joined Syria & Iraq in its fight against ISIL which had occupied sizeable chunk of Syrian territory and was running its own regressive Govt treating the Yazidi women as virtual sex slaves,

While Russia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt, Hezbollah in Lebanon & Hamas in Gaza were on Bashar’s side in against Syrian rebels, Saudi Arabia, UAE & Qatar, USA, UK, France, Israel and some other European countries sought Bashar’s ouster. The US which intervened in Syria in 2014 ostensibly to fight ISIL supported the Syrian Free Army and Kurdish led Syrian Democratic Forces. The militant groups supported by the US & European allies reportedly killed thousands of Bashar supporters; Bashar is accused of having killed around 500,000 Syrians in 15 year long civil war which made 4.5 million Syrians as refugees; over 3 million of them have fled to Turkey & a few thousand to European countries. According to UNHCR, the majority of Syrians have slidde into poverty and roughly 16.5 million of them need humanitarian assistance.

Ordinary Syrians’ spontaneous celebration of Bashar’s ouster reflected how unpopular he had become. Syrian army didn’t put up a fight in the lost battle. Russia bogged down in Ukraine perhaps took the eye off the ball. Hezbollah’s decimation in Lebanon and fear of Israeli attacks, prevented Iran from rushing to Bashar’s help. Hayat Tahrir al Sham leader Abu Mohammed al Jolani took advantage of the prevailing political vacuum, his march to, Damascus was almost unchallenged. Jolani who fought with Al Qaeda in Iraq against American invasion refused to do Baghdadi’s bidding in Syria and expanded his group’s capability with Turkish support has, so far, made right noises. Prior to taking over Damascus, in his interview with the CNN, he distanced himself from his past and claimed to have evolved as a nationalist Syrian who stood for national unity, offering equal treatment of all minorities and promising democratic elections and peace and prosperity for the people. One hopes, decades long proxy war in Syria is over for good.
The US has lifted its bounty of US$ 10 million on his head; the US and its allies could normalise relations with Syria if Jolani who, now, prefers to be called Ahmed al Sharaa holds election and lets a democratically elected inclusive govt take over. Sharaa has been quick to change his attire; from the outfit of a militant to army fatigue to tailored business suits; he has slipped in to the new role with ease and looks and acts confident.

Media allegations that Bashar’s ouster was hatched by the US, Saudi Arabia & Israel don’t sound so incredible now. When Bashar regime’s end looked imminent, Russia was left with no option but to go along. Erdogan who actively supported HTS is happy with Bashar’s exit; he had rocky relations with him.
With no foot in Syria anymore and, in Lebanon, Hezbollah in no position to resurrect soon, Iran appers the biggest loser. The US is happy that the Russian and Iranian hold on Syria is shattered and hopes, the new Govt might be less inimical to USA. The ascendence of Turkey’s influence in Syria and in the region is unmistakable.
Palestinians are worst off. After loss of nearly 46000 lives in Gaza which has been reduced to rubbles and Hamas & Hezbollah on the last leg, their long-held dream of two-states has become distant than ever.
Israel is grabbing territory in Syria, seems in no mood to evacuate from Gaza and is expanding its settlements on the West bank. With strongly pro-Israel Trump moving in the White House, Israel will be in no mood for making any concessions.

2025 seems much bleaker for the Palestinians whose cause has been almost abandoned by the Arab leaders.

Iraq Proposed Marriage Law Allowing 9-Year-Old Brides Sparks Outrage Over Women Rights

November 10, 2024, 4:55 pm

Iraq is moving forward with controversial amendments to its marriage law, which would allow girls as young as nine to marry and deprive women of key rights, including divorce, child custody, and inheritance. The amendments have sparked alarm from human rights groups, activists, and women’s organizations, fearing a rollback of women’s freedoms and an erosion of gender equality in the country.

The proposed changes to Iraq’s family law, which aims to align with a strict interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, are backed by the government coalition of Shia parties. These amendments would also allow citizens to choose either religious authorities or civil courts to handle family matters.

The original family law, known as “Law 188,” was hailed as one of the most progressive in the region when introduced in 1959, offering a secular framework for managing family affairs. However, the new proposals are seen as a move to tighten religious control over personal matters, a shift that is particularly alarming for women’s rights advocates.

Human rights groups are especially concerned that the amendments will exacerbate Iraq’s already high rates of child marriage. According to UNICEF, approximately 28% of Iraqi girls are married before the age of 18, and the new legal changes are expected to worsen these statistics. The law would also give religious leaders more influence over family matters, including the controversial practice of officiating child marriages, which is currently allowed under certain conditions.

Dr. Renad Mansour, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, explained that the move is part of an effort by certain Shia Islamist factions to consolidate power and gain legitimacy amid waning political support. Mansour noted that the push for stricter religious laws is a tactic to reinforce ideological control, particularly among groups seeking to restore influence after years of political decline.

The proposed amendments have faced stiff opposition from Iraqi women’s groups, who fear that the changes will further diminish women’s rights and lead to an erosion of legal protections for young girls. Activists have warned that the new law could pave the way for legalized child marriages and increase the risks of sexual and physical violence against young girls, denying them access to education and employment.

As the bill moves through parliament, it is expected to pass despite widespread protests, signaling a potential shift towards greater religious authority in Iraq’s legal system.

Iraq Accuses Israel Of Violating Airspace For Airstrikes In Iran

October 28, 2024, 2:37 pm

Iraq has accused Israel of breaching its airspace to carry out airstrikes in Iran. The allegations follow Israeli air operations executed on the night of October 26, which were reportedly in retaliation for an Iranian missile strike on Israel earlier this month.

On Monday, the Iraqi government lodged a formal complaint with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres regarding what it termed a “blatant violation” of its sovereignty. Iraqi government spokesperson Bassim Alawadi confirmed that the complaint specifically condemns Israel for using Iraqi airspace to execute its strikes against Iran.

Iraq, which is significantly influenced by Iran and does not recognize Israel, commonly refers to the country as the “Zionist entity.”

On the night of the airstrikes, approximately 100 Israeli warplanes participated in an operation dubbed “Days of Repentance,” targeting various military and strategic sites within Iran. As requested by US President Joe Biden, the Israeli military refrained from striking Iranian nuclear and oil facilities during this operation.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal indicated that the Israeli strikes focused on facilities involved in missile production, including cruise and ballistic missiles that Iran has utilized against Israel this year. Among the targeted sites was the Parchin military facility, known for its previous nuclear weapons-related activities.

Additionally, The New York Times reported that Israel also attacked air defense systems located in Iraq and Syria to prevent any interception of its airstrikes.

Israel Strikes Back: Iran, Syria, Iraq Airspace Goes On Lockdown

October 27, 2024, 12:07 am

In response to a barrage of over 200 rockets and missiles fired by Iran on October 1, Israel launched a series of airstrikes targeting Iranian military installations across Tehran and other locations. These strikes, conducted in the early hours, reportedly caused “limited damage,” according to Iranian sources, while Israel claimed the attacks grant them “wider freedom” to operate in the region’s skies.

Airspace Lockdown Across Three Nations

The immediate aftermath of the Israeli airstrikes led to a full closure of airspace in Iran, Syria, and Iraq. FlightRadar24, an open-source flight tracking platform, showed no civilian aircraft flying over these countries, signifying a rare regional lockdown. Iraq, maintaining safety measures for civil aviation, decided to shut its skies post-attack as a precautionary measure.

Syrian Air Defense Activated Amid Rising Tensions

Syria, a key ally of Iran within the ‘Axis of Resistance’ coalition against Israel, reported activating its air defense systems following Israeli strikes originating from the Golan Heights and Lebanese territory. This alliance, comprising Iran-aligned militias and Shia factions, aims to counter Israeli and U.S. influence in the region.

Regional Reactions: “Israel Will Face Proportional Response”

Iran has vowed to respond decisively to what it calls Israel’s “act of aggression.” According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, Iranian officials warned that “Israel will face a proportional reaction for any further aggression.” Meanwhile, Israel’s military has cautioned that Iran will “pay a heavy price” should it attempt escalation.

U.S. Comments on Israeli Actions

The United States confirmed it was informed of the strike plans but emphasized that no American assets were involved. Sean Savett, spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, described Israel’s action as “self-defense” in response to Iran’s earlier assault on Israeli territory. Savett urged Iran to cease hostilities to avoid further escalation in the region.

What’s Next? Rising Tensions Across the Middle East

The back-and-forth airstrikes and heightened rhetoric from both Israel and Iran signal a new phase of potential conflict in the Middle East. The lockdown of airspace across three nations serves as a stark reminder of the mounting risks for broader regional involvement if de-escalation efforts do not succeed.

Who Are The PKK? Exploring Turkey’s Blame In The Recent Ankara Attack

October 24, 2024, 1:53 pm

In a swift response to a deadly attack on its state-run defense company, Turkey launched airstrikes on Kurdish militant targets in Syria and Iraq. This action comes just hours after five people were killed, and 14 others were injured in what Turkish authorities labeled a terror attack at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) headquarters near Ankara.

Attack on Turkish Defense Firm

The assault on Wednesday, which saw a loud explosion and gunfire, targeted the TUSAS site. Suspected Kurdish militants reportedly detonated explosives and opened fire during the attack, which claimed the lives of four employees and a taxi driver, as reported by the BBC. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that two attackers and a civilian woman were also killed during the incident. The minister suggested that the militants involved were likely members of the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), a Kurdish rebel group that has long been a thorn in Turkey’s side.

Turkey’s Response

In retaliation for the attack, Turkey launched a series of airstrikes targeting over 30 sites linked to the PKK in an aerial defensive operation. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler also pointed to the PKK’s involvement, emphasizing that the investigation is still ongoing to confirm the identities of the assailants.

Who are the PKK?

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK) is a Kurdish rebel group labeled as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the UK, the US, and the European Union. The PKK has been fighting for Kurdish autonomy and rights in Turkey for decades, with its leader Abdullah Ocalan imprisoned since 1999. The Kurdish population, which constitutes around 20% of Turkey’s demographic, has faced historical marginalization, fueling the group’s insurgency.

The incident marks the latest escalation in the long-standing conflict between Turkey and Kurdish militants, with fears of further violence as tensions rise.

Iran’s Missile Barrage Prompts Airspace Closures In Israel, Jordan, And Iraq Amid Rising Tensions

October 1, 2024, 11:56 pm

Israel closed its airspace on Tuesday evening (October 1) following a massive missile attack from Iran, escalating tensions in the Middle East and heightening concerns of a potential all-out war, according to the Airports Authority, as reported by the Times of Israel. All incoming and outgoing flights from Ben Gurion Airport have been suspended, with flights being redirected to alternative locations outside of Israel, the report added.

Jordan and Iraq also temporarily closed their airspace in response to the situation. Reuters reporters on the ground observed multiple interceptions in Jordanian airspace.

? Mass aircraft diversions over the Middle East as Iraqi, Jordanian, and Israeli airspace closes.

? NOTAM: E) BAGHDAD FIR CLSD DUE TO SECURITY “Until Further Notice.” #aviation #airtraffic #MiddleEast #Israel https://t.co/iMoRlcnGdC

— RadarBox (@RadarBoxCom) October 1, 2024

Iran attacks Israel

The Israeli Army announced on Tuesday that Iran had launched missiles at Israel, just hours after the US issued a warning of an ‘imminent attack.’ This followed a series of Israeli strikes that killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon, including senior Hezbollah leaders, among them the group’s chief, Hassan Nasrallah.

Residents were instructed to shelter in place and stay near bomb shelters in anticipation of the incoming Iranian missiles. According to an Israeli military spokesperson, there were only a few injuries reported following the missile strikes, and the public was advised that it was safe to exit the shelters.

Israel’s Air Force claimed to have intercepted and shot down several of the missiles fired by Tehran, marking another escalation in the regional conflict and increasing fears of a broader war. The shelter-in-place orders were sent to Israelis via mobile phones and announced on national television, with TV stations also reporting sirens sounding in parts of Jerusalem and central Israel.

Iran issues statement

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards stated that the missile launches were carried out in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, and other key figures from Iran-backed proxies in the Middle East. They also issued a warning that any retaliation from Israel would result in a response that would be “more crushing and ruinous,” according to Iranian media.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Tuesday that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, had given the order to launch missiles at Israel, adding that Tehran “is fully ready for any retaliation.”

Iranian President Pezeshkian Visits Iraq On First Foreign Trip Amid Rising Tensions

September 11, 2024, 10:32 am

Iran’s newly inaugurated President, Masoud Pezeshkian, embarked on his first foreign visit to Iraq on Wednesday, signaling his intent to strengthen ties with neighboring countries. Pezeshkian, who took office in late July, has emphasized regional relations as a key strategy to alleviate the impact of US-led sanctions on Iran’s economy. His visit to Iraq comes at a time of heightened tensions, following Western sanctions imposed on Iran for allegedly supplying Russia with missiles for the conflict in Ukraine.

The visit is also set against the backdrop of escalating instability in the Middle East, particularly due to the ongoing war in Gaza, which has involved Iran-backed groups across the region. Notably, an explosion was reported at a US-led coalition base in Baghdad on Tuesday night, which Iranian-backed Ketaeb Hezbollah in Iraq claimed was an attempt to disrupt Pezeshkian’s visit.

Iran and Iraq, both Shiite-majority nations, have grown increasingly close since the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. Pezeshkian’s trip underscores the deepening political and economic ties between the two countries. Iran is one of Iraq’s major trade partners, with non-oil trade reaching nearly $5 billion in the past five months alone. Additionally, Iran exports significant quantities of gas to Iraq, crucial for meeting 30% of Iraq’s electricity needs.

Pezeshkian’s agenda includes visits to the Shiite holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, and discussions with Kurdish officials in Arbil.

Iraq Proposal To Reduce Legal Marriage Age For Girls To 9

August 9, 2024, 11:11 am

A proposed bill in Iraq’s parliament has ignited a firestorm of controversy and concern by suggesting a drastic reduction in the legal age of marriage for girls to as young as 9. This contentious proposal, introduced by the Iraq Justice Ministry, aims to amend the country’s Personal Status Law, which currently sets the minimum marriage age at 18.

The bill seeks to offer citizens the option of choosing between religious authorities or civil judiciary for family-related decisions, raising alarms about potential erosion of rights related to inheritance, divorce, and child custody. Critics argue that this proposal could lead to a surge in child marriages and exploitation, threatening decades of progress in women’s rights and gender equality.

Human rights organizations, women’s groups, and civil society advocates have strongly condemned the bill, warning of severe repercussions for young girls’ education, health, and overall well-being. They emphasize that child marriage often results in higher dropout rates, early pregnancies, and increased domestic violence.

UNICEF reports that 28 percent of girls in Iraq are already married before reaching 18, highlighting the severity of the issue. Sarah Sanbar, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, criticized the bill as a regressive step, stating, “Passing this law would demonstrate a country moving backward, not forwards.”

Amal Kabashi of the Iraq Women’s Network echoed these concerns, accusing the amendment of facilitating male dominance in family matters within an already conservative society. Despite the bill being withdrawn in late July following widespread objection, it resurfaced on August 4 after gaining support from influential Shia blocs within the parliament.

The proposed legislation represents a significant shift from the 1959 law, which moved family law authority from religious figures to the state judiciary. The new bill would reintroduce the option for religious-based legal decisions, primarily reflecting Shia and Sunni Islamic rules, while excluding other religious and sectarian communities in Iraq’s diverse society.

Proponents of the bill argue it seeks to align with Islamic law and protect young girls from “immoral relationships.” However, opponents criticize this reasoning as flawed and dismissive of the harsh realities of child marriage. “Girls belong on the playground and in school, not in a wedding dress,” Sanbar added.

The fate of this proposed amendment remains uncertain, as it faces significant opposition and follows several failed attempts to alter existing marriage laws.

Iraqi Authorities Recover 139 Bodies from Mass Grave in Tal Afar

July 15, 2024, 2:59 pm

In a devastating discovery, Iraqi authorities have exhumed the remains of 139 individuals from a large pit in Tal Afar, believed to be a mass grave used by the Islamic State (IS) group. The Alo Antar hole, a natural desert formation located approximately 70 kilometres (40 miles) west of Mosul in northern Iraq, was turned into a mass burial site by IS jihadists.

The director of the mass graves department at the Foundation of Martyrs, Dia Karim, confirmed the recovery of the remains and additional human body parts. “They include women and men,” Karim stated, noting that testimonies suggest the victims date back to IS rule or earlier, during the presence of Al-Qaeda in the area.

Karim added that testimonies indicate the victims were likely Yazidis, Shiite Turkmen, and security forces personnel from Mosul, IS’s self-declared “caliphate” capital. At the height of their power, IS fighters committed severe atrocities, including beheadings, torture, and enslavement, leaving behind numerous mass graves.

In particular, the Yazidis, an ethnic and religious minority, suffered some of the worst atrocities, including mass executions and sexual slavery. Ahmed al-Assadi from the Foundation of Martyrs revealed that the victims “were not buried but dumped in the hole,” which ranges in depth from 42 to 12 meters. Many had been shot or had their throats cut, and some were found in body bags.

Clothing found on some of the bodies indicated they might have been Yazidis or Turkmen, and others were wearing orange jumpsuits typically associated with IS hostages. The remains were taken to forensic departments for DNA testing to identify the victims.

The mass grave was discovered after Iraqi forces reclaimed the area in 2017, but recovery efforts only began in May of this year. While Iraqi authorities frequently announce the discovery of IS mass graves and those dating back to Saddam Hussein’s rule, the identification process remains slow, costly, and complex.

The United Nations estimates that over 200 mass graves, possibly containing up to 12,000 bodies, were left behind by IS jihadists. Similar sites, such as the al-Khasfa sinkhole in northern Iraq and a 50-meter-deep gorge in northern Syria, are believed to contain numerous IS victims.

Iraq Sentences Ex-Wife Of IS Leader To Death For Yazidi Crimes

July 11, 2024, 12:51 pm

An Iraqi court has sentenced Asma Mohammed, also known as Umm Hudaifa, to death on Wednesday, for her involvement with the jihadi group Islamic State (IS) and detaining Yazidi women. Umm Hudaifa was married to Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, IS’s former leader, during his control over parts of Iraq and Syria. She denied any involvement in IS’s crimes in a BBC interview.

After IS’s military defeat in 2019, Baghdadi killed himself and two of his children during a US raid in Syria. Umm Hudaifa, who was not present during the raid, had been arrested in Turkey in 2018 and was extradited to Iraq in early 2023.

UN investigators found evidence of IS committing genocide and other crimes against the Yazidi minority, who were forced to convert or be killed. Thousands of Yazidis were murdered, and many women and children were enslaved and abused. IS also committed war crimes, including the massacre of around 1,700 Shia Muslim cadets from Iraq’s Camp Speicher in 2014.

In her interview, Umm Hudaifa expressed regret over the Yazidi atrocities and claimed to have confronted her husband about the killings. She denied accusations of participating in the kidnapping and enslavement of Yazidi girls and women, despite lawsuits filed against her by Yazidi victims.

Iraqi courts have issued many death sentences and life terms for terrorism-related offenses. Human rights organizations criticize these trials as often being rushed, with broad charges based on confessions obtained under torture.

Iraq Faces Diplomatic Backlash Over Harsh Anti-LGBTQ+ Law

May 4, 2024, 12:42 pm

The Iraqi parliament has passed a controversial law that has sparked widespread condemnation for its harsh penalties against gay and transgender individuals. The law, which was added as an amendment to existing anti-prostitution legislation, has drawn criticism from human rights groups and diplomatic circles around the world.

US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized the law, stating that it “threatens those most at risk in Iraqi society” and could restrict freedom of speech and expression. He also expressed concerns that such legislation could discourage foreign investment, echoing sentiments from international business coalitions.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron also voiced concern, calling the law “dangerous and worrying.”

While homosexuality is considered taboo in Iraqi society and there have been periodic anti-LGBTQ+ campaigns by political leaders, Iraq had not previously enacted a law explicitly criminalizing such behavior.

The new legislation imposes severe penalties, including 10 to 15 years in prison for same-sex relations and one to three years for gender transition surgeries, as well as for the “intentional practice of effeminacy.” The law also prohibits any organization promoting “sexual deviancy,” with violators facing a minimum seven-year prison term and hefty fines.

An earlier draft of the law had included provisions for the death penalty for same-sex relations, but this was not included in the final version.

Iraqi officials have defended the law as a means of upholding societal values. Acting parliamentary speaker Mohsen Al-Mandalawi described it as “a necessary step to protect the value structure of society” and to shield children from what he referred to as “moral depravity and homosexuality.”

However, human rights advocates have strongly condemned the law. Rasha Younes from Human Rights Watch characterized it as a significant setback for fundamental human rights, including freedom of expression, association, privacy, equality, and nondiscrimination.

A 2022 report by Human Rights Watch had previously accused armed groups in Iraq of committing egregious acts of violence against LGBTQ+ individuals, including abduction, rape, torture, and murder, often with impunity. The report also criticized the Iraqi government for failing to hold perpetrators accountable for these crimes.

Iraq criminalises same-sex relationship,15 years in prison

April 28, 2024, 1:28 pm

Iraq’s parliament has passed a new law criminalizing same-sex relationship, imposing a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. The legislation, known as the Law on Combating Prostitution and Homosexuality, also targets individuals who promote homosexuality or prostitution with a minimum prison term of seven years. Furthermore, the law includes penalties of one to three years for those who change their “biological gender” or dress in an effeminate manner.

The law, aimed at upholding religious values, was supported primarily by conservative Shi’ite Muslim parties, the largest coalition in Iraq’s predominantly Muslim parliament. According to a copy of the law reviewed by Reuters, its purpose is to “protect Iraqi society from moral depravity and the calls for homosexuality that have overtaken the world.”

The initial draft of the bill included provisions for the death penalty for same-sex acts but was revised following objections from the United States and European nations. Nevertheless, rights advocates and international observers have condemned the law as a severe blow to the LGBT community in Iraq and a violation of fundamental human rights.

Rasha Younes, deputy director of the LGBT rights program at Human Rights Watch, expressed grave concern, stating that the law “rubber-stamps Iraq’s appalling record of rights violations against LGBT people.” She further emphasized that this legislation represents a significant setback for human rights in the country.

Until the passing of this law, Iraq did not explicitly criminalize gay sex, although loosely defined morality clauses in its penal code had previously been used to target LGBT individuals. Additionally, members of the LGBT community in Iraq have faced violence and discrimination from armed groups and individuals.

Iraqi officials responsible for human rights were not immediately available for comment on the new law. Over the past year, major Iraqi political parties have intensified their criticism of LGBT rights, with rainbow flags often being burned during protests by conservative Shi’ite Muslim factions, both in power and in opposition.

Globally, more than 60 countries still criminalize gay sex, while over 130 countries have legalized same-sex relationship, according to data from Our World in Data. Iraq’s recent legislative action reflects a broader trend of challenges faced by the LGBT community in various parts of the world, highlighting ongoing struggles for equality and human rights.

Iran Isreal tension: 3 injured in explosions at pro-Iran military base in Iraq

April 20, 2024, 10:34 am

Five blasts at a pro-Iranian military base in Iraq on Saturday resulted in at least three injuries, according to CNN, which cited a security official. The cause of the explosions is unknown at this time, though.

Notably, the explosions occurred at a location associated with the Popular Mobilisation Units (PMU), according to Muhannad al-Anazi, a Security Committee member in the Babylon Governorate, which is located south of Baghdad.

Launched “at the Kalsu military base in the Al-Mashrou district on the highway, north of the Babylon Governorate,” the bombings are currently being investigated.

The explosion occurred one day after an allegedly Israeli-led military operation on Iran, according to US and Israeli sources.

Known alternatively as the Popular Mobilization Forces, the PMU is an Iraqi paramilitary group that is mostly supported by Shiite Iran. The PMU, in contrast to other Iran-backed organizations in the area, is affiliated with the local administration and has strong ties to Shiite blocs in Iran that have dominated Iraqi politics for a long time, according to CNN.
The explosion occurred during a period of intense tension in the Middle East as Israel fights Hamas in Gaza following the terrorist organization’s deadly assault into southern Israel on October 7, which was sponsored by Iran.

This month’s tit-for-tat strikes have also exposed Israel and Iran’s long-running covert conflict. Israel launched a potentially deadly military strike on Iran early on Friday, a US official told CNN. Although no significant damage was recorded, Iran and Israel have not stated where the strike originated.

Iran’s air defence systems were activated in several locations after multiple explosions were heard close to the airport and an army base in the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported early Friday morning.

The missile launches come after Iran launched an offensive on targets around Israel on Saturday last week, according to Israeli military authorities, in which the nation fired a barrage of over 300 unmanned drones and missiles.

Iraqi Parliament stormed by demonstrators, chants “Al-Sudani out”

July 28, 2022, 11:02 am

In Iraq, hundreds of disruptors who are supposedly supporters of Shia leader Muqtada al-Sadr stomped on the parliament in Bagdad to dissent from the nomination for prime minister by the rival parties backed by Iran.

Mohammed Shia al Sudani’s bid for prime minister was being opposed by demonstrators who felt he was too close to Iran. Al-Sudani, a former minister and provincial governor, is proposed by the Coordination Framework for the position of prime minister.

A video cited the protestors dancing and singing in the premises of the parliament, and the Iraqi Parliament’s speaker’s desk was reportedly occupied by one of the protesters.

Al Jazeera reported that no lawmakers were inside the premises of the parliament when the protestors barged in and only the security forces were seen.

Al Jazeera also stated that after a few hours of protest, al-Sadr made a post on Twitter informing the demonstrators that their message had been received and urging them to “return safely” to their homes, signalling the end of the sit-in.

The demonstrators were also urged by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to “immediately leave” the heavily guarded Green Zone, which houses foreign missions and government buildings.He issued a statement warning that the defence of state institutions and foreign missions, as well as preventing any harm to security and order, would be the responsibility of security personnel.

The police earlier tried dispersing the protestors with water cannons, but they managed to trespass the gates, as reported by Al-Jazeera.

The protestors were sloganeering “Al-Sudani out” outside the entrances of the green zone.

This event, and al-Sadr’s subsequent demonstration of authority over his supporters, served as an implicit warning to the Framework Party that things could get worse if al-Sudani becomes the leader of the new government.

Nouri al-Maliki, former prime minister and leader of the State of Law and former chose Al-Sudani. Parties must first choose a president before al-Sudani can go before parliament to be officially sworn in as prime minister-designate.