Meteorologist Predicts Cold January with Possible Snow in Sulaimanyah Region
A meteorologist warned that January 2026 could be very cold, with snow expected in mountainous areas and the center of Sulaimanyah. Heavy rainfall is also forecast in some regions next week.
The Peace and Brotherhood Commission of the Turkish Parliament will meet to review Abdullah Ocalan’s latest views following recent visits by delegations. Ocalan emphasized preventing repeated destructive acts similar to coups.
The Coordination Framework has shortlisted nine candidates for Iraq’s next prime minister, with the final choice expected to be made by consensus rather than election results. The identity of the nominee may be decided in a meeting scheduled for next Monday.
The Kurdistan Region’s Election Commission says the salary distribution date is still undecided due to new federal payment procedures. Efforts are underway to resolve technical issues and begin delivering funds to employees.
A 21-year-old man injured in the Lajan village clashes has died after more than six days in the hospital. The incident occurred after residents protested over lack of job opportunities, leading KDP forces to respond with gunfire and later evacuate the village.
The Ministry of Labor reaffirmed that Iraqis must make up 80% of the workforce under a government decision regulating foreign labor. New criteria were set to ensure foreign workers are only hired when expertise is unavailable locally.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani said he is committed to building a friendship with the United States that serves Iraq’s stability and development. President Donald Trump praised Sudani, calling him a friend and expressing surprise at being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The new generation movement denied reports attributed to its members in KDP-affiliated media, calling the published information false and unethical. The movement stressed that no official or volunteer has spoken to channels funded by what it described as “the nation’s stolen money.”
The UN has urged the swift formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government to help stabilize relations between Baghdad and Erbil. The Security Council discussed delays and emphasized that a new cabinet would support resolving outstanding disputes.
The Ministry of Transportation will introduce a nationwide taxi system in 2026, connecting all taxis through a unified application with fixed fares. The project aims to modernize transportation and improve passenger safety.
President Erdogan said the peace process aims to remove major obstacles to stability, the economy, and social cohesion. He stressed that unity among Turks, Kurds, and Arabs will overcome conflict and chaos in the region.
The Erbil Security Committee says a group attempted to incite chaos and target public and official buildings in Khabat. One suspect, identified as Nechirwan Isa Mirmsu, was arrested and accused of encouraging violence.
An NRT reporting team was arrested by KDP forces in Khabat, where parts of their journalistic equipment were damaged and others confiscated. The incident involved reporter Shiraz Abdullah and cameraman Najmaddin Sadiqi.
The Coordination Framework met again at Nouri al-Maliki’s residence but failed to settle on a candidate for prime minister. The number of nominees has reportedly reached 30 as efforts continue to narrow the list.
The Kurdistan Region has recorded 87 new AIDS cases this year, including 64 foreigners and 23 local residents. Health officials say more than 600 blood tests were conducted in the past 11 months as part of routine screening and prevention programs.
The Sunni National Political Council has nominated six candidates for the position of speaker of the Iraqi parliament. Officials say agreement on a candidate from outside the list is still possible.
Local sources say KDP forces evacuated residents of Lajan village and detained more than 20 individuals. Communication lines were reportedly cut during the operation, limiting contact with the outside world.
Mazlum Abdi and Ilham Ahmed are expected to visit Turkey next month for meetings that may include Abdullah Ocalan and discussions on a new agreement. Analysts say Ankara’s political discourse toward Kurdish groups has recently shifted.
The PUK and KDP are set to meet in Erbil to discuss the formation of a new cabinet and the distribution of remaining posts. More than 14 months after the elections, the new government has yet to be formed.
The new generation movement visited those injured in the Lajan demonstration, criticizing the government for using force against civilians demanding their rights. The faction called for the withdrawal of security forces from the village.
The father of the young man killed in Lajan says his son was Kurdish, not Turkish, and was simply working as a truck driver when he was stopped during the demonstration. He also denied claims linking his son to any political or regional affiliations.
Electricity Minister Kamal Mohammed said the region’s electricity supply has been disrupted for more than 72 hours due to the Kormor attacks. Gas is currently being transported to power plants by tankers until repairs are completed.
The Sulaimanyah Traffic Directorate has installed new speed cameras at Aram Intersection on Malik Mahmoud Ring Road. The system will be tested for two weeks before official enforcement begins.
The body of a young migrant from Ranya, who died two years ago in the Aegean Sea, will be returned today to the Kurdistan Region. His remains, previously buried in Italy, will arrive at Erbil Airport before being taken to Raperin for burial
The KRG Ministry of Electricity says most technical issues at Dana Gas have been resolved. Gas production is expected to resume soon, with immediate transfer to power plants once operations restart.
The Iraqi Eco Observatory revealed that the attack on the Kormor gas field is causing more than $7 million in losses every day. The strike also cut 3,000 megawatts of electricity, reducing power supply in the Kurdistan Region by nearly 80%.
A young man was killed and several others injured in a shooting incident in Lajan village, prompting strong criticism from the New Generation Movement. The faction says the government’s repeated use of weapons against demonstrators reflects its failure to address citizens’ legal demands.
A shooting during a gathering in Lajani village, Erbil, left one person dead and three injured. The incident reportedly occurred during a tense demonstration near the Lanaz refinery.
Iraq’s Planning Ministry says inflation fell by 0.3% compared to last month, driven mainly by lower food and housing prices. The real estate sector saw a 1% drop, contributing significantly to the overall decline.
The Iraqi Ministry of Finance has transferred 941.8 billion dinars to the Kurdistan Region for September salaries. The KRG says distribution will begin Sunday and all employees are expected to be paid within days.