Sudani allocates aircraft to return Iraqi migrants detained in Libya, including Kurds
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has approved an aircraft to repatriate 151 Iraqi migrants, including Kurds, detained in Libya. The Iraqi Embassy in Tripoli confirmed that all return procedures have been completed and detainees have received essential support
Despite a slight increase in water reserves, Iraq’s dam storage remains far below the level needed for summer demand. Officials warn that the threat of water shortages and drought is still serious.
Sulaimanyah Police have urged citizens to be cautious when approached by unknown individuals asking to use their phones. The warning comes amid concerns over rising crime rates in the Kurdistan Region.
The Central Bank of Iraq says the recent rise in the dollar is linked to customs duty procedures and demand outside the formal banking system. The official exchange rate, however, remains unchanged.
Authorities in Chamchamal have started compensating vehicle owners whose cars were damaged by recent floods. Around one billion dinars has been allocated for this phase of payments.
The Sulaimanyah Heart Hospital treated more than 18,000 patients in 2025, according to the local health directorate. Thousands of surgeries, emergency procedures and diagnostic services were carried out during the year
The Coordination Framework has failed to reach an agreement on a prime ministerial candidate during its latest meeting. Leaders stressed the need to finalize the post on time in line with constitutional procedures and national interests.
A fire erupted at a crisps factory in Erbil’s Pirzin area early Tuesday, causing heavy material damage but no casualties. As a safety measure, nearby schools were closed and several houses were evacuated.
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) have failed to reach an agreement on a joint presidential candidate ahead of the registration deadline. Talks continue as the presidency remains a key factor in forming the next Iraqi government.
The New Generation Movement says its leader, Shaswar Abdulwahid Qadir, has not been released despite the expiration of his prison term and has been taken to hospital due to poor health. The movement said decisions regarding the Iraqi presidency will be made by its leader, while confirming it has not yet held talks with other political parties.
The KDP has officially nominated Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein for the post of President of Iraq, while the PUK has put forward Nizar Amedi. The Iraqi parliament says the number of presidential candidates has risen to 70, including incumbent President Latif Rashid.
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) has officially nominated Nizar Amedi for the post of President of Iraq. Reports indicate that Shiite political parties have agreed to support his candidacy following political consultations.
A sharp drop in temperatures is expected across the Kurdistan Region, with some mountainous areas recording extremely low readings. Weather experts warn that temperatures could fall to as low as minus 22 degrees Celsius overnight.
The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan is expected to discuss and possibly finalize its nominee for the Iraqi presidency. Several senior figures have submitted nomination forms amid ongoing political consultations.
The Kurdistan Democratic Party has decided to send a negotiating delegation to hold talks with political parties over the post of Iraqi president. The party says no candidate has been nominated so far, stressing the need for consensus.
With the deadline for submitting candidates for the Iraqi presidential election approaching, several Kurdish political parties have announced or signaled their nominees. The race is expected to intensify as talks continue between major political blocs.
The Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council has reaffirmed its neutrality in the process of nominating a prime minister. The council warned against using the name of the judiciary in political competition.
The Kurdistan Regional Meteorological Agency has released updated rainfall data for the past 24 hours and total rainfall recorded this year. Darbandikhan topped the 24-hour rainfall chart, while Chawarta recorded the highest annual total.
Heavy rainfall and snowfall across the Kurdistan Region have significantly increased water storage in major dams. Officials say water inflows are two to three times higher than last year.
A person was killed in a residential estate in Erbil after being assaulted and thrown from a residential building, police said. One suspect has been arrested, while a second suspect fled outside the Kurdistan Region and remains at large as investigations continue.
Three people were killed and four others injured in a traffic accident on the Koya–Dukan road near Sewsan village, according to traffic police. The crash involved two Toyota Crown and a Toyota pickup truck, and authorities have launched an investigation into the cause.
The Kurdistan Regional Government expects more than 200,000 tourists to visit the Kurdistan Region during the New Year holidays, mostly from central and southern Iraq. Officials say coordination between public institutions and private tourism businesses is ensuring smooth services across more than 3,100 tourism sites.
Farhad Atroshi has been elected Second Deputy Speaker of the Iraqi Parliament after winning 177 votes in a parliamentary ballot. The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) candidate secured the post following a political agreement with the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK).
The Iraqi Customs Board will impose a 15% customs duty on electric vehicles from next week, targeting private imports. The move aims to regulate imports, improve safety, and reduce traffic congestion.
A tragic attack in Erbil left a husband and his pregnant wife dead, stemming from a dispute resolved years ago. Authorities and witnesses are investigating why the issue resurfaced.
The Iraqi Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs announced a loan package for citizens wishing to start their own projects in 2026. Loans will range from 20 to 50 million dinars with no interest.
Heavy snowfall over the past 24 hours has blanketed large parts of the Kurdistan Region, with depths exceeding 60 cm in some highland areas. Authorities have warned of very low temperatures as the cold wave continues.
The governor of Chamchamal announced the exemption of tuition fees for college and university students in the district. The decision comes following a recommendation by the Chamchamal Emergency and Rehabilitation Commission.
The Kurdistan Regional Meteorological Agency has warned of a new wave of snowfall affecting several mountainous areas starting Wednesday. Snow accumulation of up to 10 cm is expected in parts of Duhok, Erbil, and Sulaimanyah provinces.
Abdullah Ocalan has urged the implementation of the March 10 agreement between Damascus and the Syrian Democratic Forces, saying it would accelerate stability efforts. He stressed that Turkey should play a constructive and facilitating role in the process.