Commission Urges Citizens to Collect Biometric Cards
IHEC has distributed over one million biometric cards and urged citizens to collect theirs. Family members can now receive relatives’ cards, with stations open on Friday and Saturday.
The outdated government has signed a six-month contract with private generators across the Kurdistan Region. The agreement aims to provide power during feeder failures and may be renewed for another six months.
The World Bank forecasts Iraq’s economy to grow by 6.7% in 2026, the highest in the Arab world, driven by oil exports, infrastructure investments, and economic diversification efforts
Iraq will receive a cutting-edge air defense system in early 2026, capable of operating amid cyber warfare. The new system can target aircraft and various aerial threats, boosting the country’s defense readiness.
A large fire in Sharbazher’s Baraw village burned 20 acres of forests and gardens. The blaze was contained by forest police and civil defense teams; investigations continue.
The Syrian government and the Syrian Democratic Forces have agreed to a nationwide ceasefire after deadly clashes in Aleppo. The agreement, reached in Damascus, takes immediate effect in northern and northeastern Syria.
IHEC will conduct a nationwide test of electronic voting equipment to ensure smooth operation during the elections. The trial will involve 21 polling stations across multiple provinces, including Baghdad, Erbil, and Basra.
New Generation Movement leader Kawa Abdulqadir said the PUK and KDP are using salary delays as psychological warfare. He warned that at least three months of salaries are at risk due to the government’s refusal to hand over revenues to Baghdad.
Police in Sulaimanyah reported that a woman was killed by her husband due to family issues. The suspect has been arrested and detained under Article 406 as investigations continue.
SOMO confirmed that the current tripartite oil delivery agreement with the Kurdistan Region lasts for three months. The deal, ending early next year, allows for adjustments to production and export costs.
The Coordination Framework reaffirmed that Iraq’s elections will proceed on schedule, urging public participation. It also called for responsible campaigning and continued parliamentary work to pass key laws.
Iraq’s Health Ministry has launched a free nationwide vaccination campaign against seasonal influenza. The ministry urged citizens to get the WHO-approved vaccine to reduce flu risks and prevent respiratory diseases.
Thirteen people, including four children, were killed in a collision between two cars in Diyala province. Police sources said both vehicles burned completely, and the driver found responsible for the crash died at the scene.
Erbil Teaching Hospital reported 80 cases of dog bites in Erbil last month, along with 86 cases of scorpion stings and two snake bites. Health officials urged residents to be cautious around stray animals and insects and to seek immediate medical attention after any bite or sting.
Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council reports that over 35,000 inmates have been released since the enforcement of the general amnesty law. The Justice Ministry previously announced the release of 9,410 prisoners in September across Baghdad and other provinces.
Iraq’s Ministry of Transportation is developing new railway lines from the Grand Faw Port to Fishkhabur in Zakho as part of the Development Road project. The 1,175 km line will enhance trade and connect Iraq’s transport network with Turkey and international routes.
Turkey has extended its suspension of flights to Sulaimanyah International Airport until December 6, 2026, citing ongoing concerns. The move prolongs the ban that has been in place since April 2023, continuing to affect travel and trade between the two sides.
A source in the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Finance said domestic revenues for August and September are ready, pending a decision to transfer them to Baghdad. The final approval rests with the prime minister and his deputy.
A Human Rights Commission delegation met with Shaswar Abdulwahid, leader of the new generation movement, who said his arrest and sentencing were politically motivated. He urged the commission to ensure his case is handled legally.
The PUK continues to remove New Generation Movement banners across Sulaimanyah. Meanwhile, the KDP is blocking NGM campaign teams from hanging banners in Erbil.
Iraq’s Electricity Ministry plans to add 11,000 MW to the national grid through renewable and nuclear options. A memorandum with Russia and new private-sector incentives mark a major step in diversifying Iraq’s energy sources.
Iran has approved a plan to remove four zeros from its currency to simplify transactions and strengthen the rial. Under the new law, $1 will equal 1,140 Iranian rials, aiming to curb inflation and boost confidence in the economy.
Iraq has begun distributing kerosene across several provinces, with each family receiving 100 liters at a subsidized price of 15,000 dinars. However, citizens in the Kurdistan Region say local parties profit from diverted oil supplies meant for the public.
The Iraqi Ministry of Commerce has denied reports of wheat poisoning in its warehouses, affirming that all stored wheat is safe and subject to regular laboratory testing. The ministry warned that spreading unverified information misleads the public and urged citizens to rely on official sources.
IHEC has distributed over 600,000 biometric voting cards and warned that any misuse or forgery will result in legal punishment. The commission stressed that each card can only be used once by its owner.
A truck lost control on the Kirkuk–Sulaimanyah highway, crashing into nine vehicles and injuring three people. Witnesses blamed poor road maintenance by the outgoing government for the accident.
Shaswar Abdulwahid Qadir’s trial in Sulaimanyah has been postponed to next month following a defamation complaint by a PUK security member. His lawyers argue the case lacks evidence and is politically motivated.
Iraq’s tourism revenue has reached $5.7 billion in 2024, marking a 25 percent increase from last year and ranking the country seventh among Arab states in tourism income.
Police in Soran say a man was killed by his brother during a family dispute in Sidkan village of the Diyana district. The suspect has been arrested and the weapon seized.
The Governor of Erbil, Omid Khoshnaw, said that 11 people were injured in a fire on Saturday, five of whom have been discharged from hospital while six remain under treatment.