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On a table that surely rivals Vladimir Putin's for sheer elongation, PM Sudani presiding over the eighth session of the Higher Commission for Coordination between the Provinces.
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Iraq no longer needs foreign combat forces – PM Sudani
The prime minister and commander-in-chief of the armed forces of Iraq, Mohammad Shia Al-Sudani, held a meeting with military leaders who participated in the victory over IS and the liberation of Nineveh Governorate.
In his remarks, Sudani asserted that Iraq no longer requires foreign combat forces and is engaging in dialogues to define future international cooperation.
He praised the sacrifices and professionalism of the armed forces in defeating the terrorist organization, emphasizing unity and readiness against potential threats.
The PM also highlighted the need to focus on stability, development, and prosperity in the post-liberation era, ensuring the welfare of martyrs' families, maintaining security, and encouraging construction and development.
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US consulate 'condemns loss of human life' in suspected Turkish drone attacks
In the recent drone strikes in Sulaimani province, at least three civilians were killed, and others were wounded in suspected Turkish attacks.
Rudaw is now quoting the US consulate in Erbil in condemning any loss of civilian life and called on Turkey to coordinate with Iraqi and Kurdistan Region authorities.
The strikes have targeted civilian areas and highways, which are not typically attacked. Turkey frequently justifies these operations as efforts against the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
The Kurdish counter-terrorism directorate has attributed the recent strikes to Turkish drones targeting the PKK, while Ankara, the KRG, and the Iraqi government have remained silent about the alarming increase in drones targeting civilian areas.
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PM Barzani in Duhok province today
He's touring poor neighbourhoods in Duhok city and meeting with residents to 'listen to their requests.'
Then he's heading off to Zakho to inaugurate the new Corniche project that has turned the riverbanks surrounding the city's iconic Delal Bridge into an impressive recreational area.
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The Central Bank of Iraq (CBI) has expressed concern over the illegal transfer of US dollars from the Ibrahim Khalil Border Crossing to Turkey and has sent a warning to the KRG to halt these currency smuggling activities, says the PUK's official mouthpiece.
According to PUKMEDIA, Dr. Bryar Rashid, a member of the Iraqi parliament, stated that the CBI is now taking actions to stabilize the value of the dollar within Iraq, following revelations of the vast amounts being smuggled daily. The CBI has been 'taking action' for much of the year against the slide of dinar value against the dollar. It hasn't been very successful.
These measures include facilitating merchant transactions and implementing stricter controls at border crossings. The issue has been previously raised by CBI Manager Ali Alaq, who urged the KRG to take preventive measures against the illegal smuglling of dollars.
Should be noted that the KDP (who control the Kurdistan Region's border with Turkey) may argue the PUK are being hypocrites vis-à-vis Sulaymaniyah's own interpretive approach to border control. The PUK controls Sulaymaniyah and Halabja provinces, which border Iran.
People in glass houses shouldn't throw greenback. Isn't that how the saying goes?
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Yesterday marked the seventh anniversary of the killing of journalist Widad Hussein in Duhok.
Reportedly gruesomely tortured before being killed, Hussein was kidnapped at gunpoint at 10AM on August 13, 2016, and later was found dead with signs of torture, according to graphic images published by Roj News at the time.
Allegedly summoned 10 times due to apparent connections with the PKK, his brother told Rudaw that he suspects security forces affiliated with the KDP, which de facto controls Duhok and Erbil, assassinated him.
In November 2016, the Kurdistan Region's parliament released a report reaffirming the suspicious circumstances under which the journalist was killed. Though to this day, no arrests have been made in connection with the case.
Yesterday, security forces allegedly stopped a gathering by a number of journalists commemorating Hussein's death, multiple local media outlets report. In an interview with NRT Kurdish, one of the journalists claimed they weren't even allowed to visit his grave.
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