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A massive fire at a newly opened mall in Iraq's Wasit province killed at least 61 people, including women and children. Authorities have ordered a probe and declared three days of mourning.

61 dead and injured in Iraq shopping mall fire

A massive fire at a newly opened mall in Iraq's Wasit province killed at least 61 people, including women and children. Authorities have ordered a probe and declared three days of mourning.

A fire at a newly opened mall in eastern Iraq's Wasit province killed more than 60 people, including women and children, Iraqi officials said Thursday.
Iraq's Ministry of Interior said in a statement that 61 people died, most of them from suffocation, in the fire that broke out late Wednesday in the city of Kut. Among the dead were 14 charred bodies that remain unidentified, it said.
Civil defence teams were able to rescue more than 45 people who were trapped inside the building, the statement said.
The mall, which had opened only a week earlier, was in a five-story building that also contained a restaurant and supermarket.
The state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that people remained missing. Photographs and videos on local media showed the building fully engulfed in flames.
Provincial Gov Mohammed al-Mayyeh in a statement declared three days of mourning. He said the cause of the fire is under investigation but that legal cases were filed against the building owner and mall owner. He did not specify what the charges were.
&ldquo;We assure the families of the innocent victims that we will not be lenient with those who were directly or indirectly responsible for this incident,&rdquo; al-Mayyeh said.
The results of the preliminary investigation will be released within 48 hours, he said.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani said in a statement that he had directed the interior minister to go to the site of the fire to investigate and take measures to prevent a recurrence.
Poor building standards have often contributed to tragic fires in Iraq. In July 2021, a blaze at a hospital in the Iraqi city of Nasiriyah that killed between 60 to 92 people was determined to have been fuelled by highly flammable, low-cost type of &ldquo;sandwich panel&rdquo; cladding that is illegal in Iraq.
In 2023, more than 100 people died in a fire at a wedding hall in the predominantly Christian area of Hamdaniya in Nineveh province after the ceiling panels above a pyrotechnic machine burst into flames.

India prepares for strategic experimentation against Iraq in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, focusing on squad rotation and winning strategies to maintain table lead.

India face Iraq with rotation and focus

In AFC Women's Asian Cup qualifiers, India plans experimentation against Iraq, prioritizing a win to keep their lead amidst the goal-difference competition with Thailand. India's coach emphasizes teamwork and strategic planning for the decisive match ahead.

India plans a strategic experiment against Iraq in the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 qualifiers, missing key player Soumya Guguloth.

The Indian football team will be open to experimentation when it clashes with a comparatively easy rival Iraq in a Group B clash of the AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 Qualifiers, here on Wednesday.
Winger Soumya Guguloth, who suffered a nasal bone fracture during the match against Timor-Leste, has been ruled out of the contest.
India currently sit atop the table with six points and a goal difference of +17 after wins against Mongolia (13-0) and Timor-Leste (4-0).
Thailand are in second place, also with six points but with a goal difference of +11.
Iraq have already played three games and are on four points. They must defeat India to have any chance of staying alive on the road to Australia.
While it has turned into a race between India and Thailand to increase their goal difference before they meet on the final day (July 5), Blue Tigresses coach Crispin Chettri affirmed that earning three points are the bigger priority, and the focus is only on the game against Iraq for now.
"Thailand is the last match, but for now, our full focus is on Iraq. We shouldn&rsquo;t worry about how many goals Thailand or we have scored, or will score. The priority is to approach the Iraq match with a positive mindset and go for the win," said Chettri.
After defeating Timor-Leste on Sunday, Chettri and his coaching staff stayed at the stadium to watch Iraq suffer a 0-7 drubbing at the hands of the hosts.
It has been a rollercoaster ride for the 173rd-ranked West Asians, who were held goalless by Timor-Leste in the first game, before defeating Mongolia 5-2 to earn their first-ever victory on the international stage.
Giving his opinion on the Iraq side coached by their former men's international Abdul-Wahab Abu Al-Hail and ranked 103 places below India, Chettri said, "For me, Iraq are not as weak as people might think. They're a good side, but they've been playing back-to-back matches, so we may have an advantage in terms of recovery." "Overall, I don't see a big difference between Iraq and Timor-Leste. I feel Timor-Leste were more organised. So, I think we&rsquo;ll get more opportunities to play our game against Iraq. It should be a good match for us to try a few new things as well." With only two days to prepare after the match against Timor-Leste, the Blue Tigresses utilised their break fruitfully with recovery in the pool and a gym session on Monday morning, followed by a full training session on Tuesday morning.
"We worked on the areas where we fell short in the matches against both Timor-Leste and Mongolia. We&rsquo;re now giving players specific responsibilities, whether it&rsquo;s in attack or in 1v1 defending. That was the main focus of the preparation," said Chettri.
After only the first two games, Chettri has already used 22 players, including all outfielders, from the 23-member squad.
The Indian coach expressed he might look to continue with the rotation trend in the Iraq game and distribute valuable minutes to younger and newer players, while also hoping to keep everyone fresh for the last game.
"More or less, all players have got chances. Of course, we cannot take the Iraq match lightly. There may be some rotation, but key players will still get minutes.
"Giving game time to upcoming players is important at such a stage, but in crucial matches, we'll have to stick to a core group. If we manage to score early, then we may be able to rotate more freely," said Chettri.

The group promises more attacks in support of Palestinians

Iraqi Resistance Group Joins Forces Against Israel- Claims Attacks on IsraelIraqi Resistance Group Joins Forces Against Israel- Claims Attacks on Israel_Umer

The group promises more attacks in support of Palestinians

Iraq-based Resistance group claims aerial attack on Israel. Militant group claims it fired drones at Israel's Port city Haifa. Many attacks launched by Iraqi group since Oct 7. The group promises more attacks in support of Palestinians. Group recently resumed strikes against US bases in Iraq, US bases targeted over military aid to Israel

At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims were dead when a bus they were travelling in met with an accident in Iran's Yazd province. 23 others were also injured in the incident which took place when the Shia pilgrims were on their way to Karbala in Iraq. There 

Bus carrying pilgrims from Pakistan to Iraq crashes in Iran, 28 dead

At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims were dead when a bus they were travelling in met with an accident in Iran's Yazd province. 23 others were also injured in the incident which took place when the Shia pilgrims were on their way to Karbala in Iraq. There were 51 people on board at the time of the crash and reports said 14 among the injured are critical. Reports said that the bus caught fire after its braking system failed. The pilgrims were travelling from the Sindh province in Pakistan to Karbala to commemorate one of the biggest events in the Shia calendar.

At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims were dead when a bus they were travelling in met with an accident in Iran's Yazd province. 23 others were also injured.

At least 28 Pakistani pilgrims were dead when a bus they were travelling in met with an accident in Iran's Yazd province. 23 others were also injured in the incident which took place when the Shia pilgrims were on their way to Karbala in Iraq. There were 51 people on board at the time of the crash and reports said 14 among the injured are critical. Reports said that the bus caught fire after its braking system failed. The pilgrims were travelling from the Sindh province in Pakistan to Karbala to commemorate one of the biggest events in the Shia calendar.

The amendments also ban organisations that "promote" homosexuality and punish "wife swapping" with a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years. 
 

UN 'alarmed' by Iraq law criminalising same-sex relations

The amendments also ban organisations that "promote" homosexuality and punish "wife swapping" with a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years.&nbsp;

The United Nations said Monday it was "alarmed" by a new law in Iraq criminalising same sex relations and called for them to be shelved.&nbsp; Homosexuality is taboo in Iraq's conservative society. However, there had not previously been a law that explicitly punished same-sex acts.&nbsp;
"We are alarmed by the passing of a new law by Iraq's parliament that criminalises consensual same-sex relations as well as other forms of private consensual behaviour with jail terms of up to 15 years," UN human rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said in a statement.&nbsp;
"The law runs contrary to several human rights treaties and conventions ratified by Iraq, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and should be shelved."&nbsp;
Transgender people will be sentenced to three years' jail under the amendments to a 1988 anti-prostitution law.&nbsp;
The amendments also set a minimum seven-year prison term for "promoting" same-sex relations and a sentence ranging from one to three years for men who "intentionally" act like women.&nbsp;
"There is extensive evidence that such laws also legitimise prejudice, expose people to hate crime, police abuse, harassment, intimidation, blackmail and torture," Shamdasani said.&nbsp;
"Furthermore, they perpetuate discrimination and denial of access to basic services, including in healthcare, education and housing."&nbsp; She said everyone had the right to protection from discrimination on grounds including sexual orientation and gender identity.&nbsp;
The amended law makes "biological sex change based on personal desire and inclination" a crime and punishes transgender people and doctors who perform gender-affirming surgery with up to three years in prison.&nbsp;
The amendments also ban organisations that "promote" homosexuality and punish "wife swapping" with a prison sentence of 10 to 15 years.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Iraq’s crackdown on alcohol raises alarm
 

Iraq’s crackdown on alcohol raises alarm among religious minorities

Iraq’s crackdown on alcohol raises alarm

The ban on the import, sale and production of alcohol was adopted in 2016 but was only published in the official gazette last month, making it enforceable
<div class="content-block">&nbsp;</div>

Only a few months into its term, Iraq&rsquo;s government is suddenly enforcing a long-dormant law banning alcohol imports and arresting people over social media content deemed morally offensive.
The crackdown has raised alarm among religious minorities and rights activists.
The ban on the import, sale and production of alcohol was adopted in 2016 but was only published in the official gazette last month, making it enforceable.
On Saturday, Iraq&rsquo;s customs authority ordered all border crossings to impose the prohibition.
Although many liquor stores across Iraq continued business as usual, presumably using up their stocks, border crossings went dry overnight, with the exception of the northern, semi-autonomous Kurdish region which hasn&rsquo;t enforced the ban.
&ldquo;This is an unjust decision for us&rdquo;, said Walid Naim, a liquor store owner in Baghdad.
The price of alcohol, meanwhile, spiked due to tightened supply.
Some see the measures as an attempt by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to head off potential political challenges from religious conservatives and to distract from economic woes, such as rising prices and wild currency fluctuations.
Alcohol is generally prohibited in Islam, the religion of the vast majority of Iraqis, but is permitted and used in religious rituals by Christians, who make up 1% of Iraq&rsquo;s population of about 40 million.
Many Christians see the ban as an attempt to marginalize their community.
Baghdad resident Abdullah Mohsen said the current law "does not make any sense".
&ldquo;Iraq is a country of diverse races since ancient times, and alcohol is present in nature and culture of society&rdquo;, Mohsen added.
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Iraq dig uncovers 5,000-year-old pub restaurant

Archaeologists discover 5,000 year-old pub restaurant in Iraq

The US-Italian team made the find in the ruins of ancient Lagash, northeast of the modern city of Nasiriyah, which was already known to have been one of the first urban centres of the Sumerian civilisation of ancient Iraq.

The US-Italian team made the find in the ruins of ancient Lagash, northeast of the modern city of Nasiriyah, which was already known to have been one of the first urban centres of the Sumerian civilisation of ancient Iraq

Archaeologists in southern Iraq have uncovered the remains of a tavern dating back nearly 5,000 years they hope will illuminate the lives of ordinary people in the world's first cities.
The US-Italian team made the find in the ruins of ancient Lagash, northeast of the modern city of Nasiriyah, which was already known to have been one of the first urban centres of the Sumerian civilisation of ancient Iraq.
The joint team from the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Pisa discovered the remains of a primitive refrigeration system, a large oven, benches for diners and around 150 serving bowls.
Fish and animal bones were found in the bowls, alongside evidence of beer drinking, which was widespread among the Sumerians.
"So we've got the refrigerator, we've got the hundreds of vessels ready to be served, benches where people would sit... and behind the refrigerator is an oven that would have been used... for cooking food," project director Holly Pittman told AFP.
"What we understand this thing to be is a place where people -- regular people -- could come to eat and that is not domestic," she said.
"We call it a tavern because beer is by far the most common drink, even more than water, for the Sumerians", she said, noting that in one of the temples excavated in the area "there was a beer recipe that was found on a cuneiform tablet".
&nbsp;
- 'Regular people' - &nbsp;
The world's first cities developed in what is now southern Iraq, after agricultural surpluses from the domestication of the first crops allowed the emergence of new social classes not engaged directly in food production.
The Lagash area, close to the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, was dubbed the "garden of the gods" by the ancients for its fertility and gave rise to a string of Sumerian cities dating back to the early dynastic period.
"Lagash was one of the important cities of southern Iraq," Iraqi archaeologist Baker Azab Wali told AFP, after working with the US-Italian team on the site.
"Its inhabitants depended on agriculture, livestock, fishing, but also on the exchange of goods," he said.
Pittman said the team was eager to learn more about the occupations of the people who used the tavern in its heyday in around 2700 BC to throw new light on the social structure of the first cities.
Detailed analysis would need to be carried out on the samples taken during the excavations the team completed in November.
"There is so much that we do not know about this early period of the emergence of cities and that is what we are investigating," she said.
"We hope to be able to characterise the neighbourhoods and the kinds of occupation... of the people that lived in this big city who were not the elite," she added.
"Most of the work done at the other sites focuses on kings and priests. And that is all very important but the regular people are also important."
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The father, who was reportedly angry because she was living in Turkey, later surrendered to the police and confessed the crime.

Protest in Iraq after father kills YouTuber daughter

The father, who was reportedly angry because she was living in Turkey, later surrendered to the police and confessed the crime.

Iraqi activists protested to demand a law against domestic violence, days after a YouTuber was strangled by her father in a killing that has outraged the conservative country.
Tiba al-Ali, 22, was killed by her father on January 31 in the southern province of Diwaniyah, interior ministry spokesman Saad Maan said on Twitter on Friday.
Maan said there had been an attempt to mediate between the young woman and her relatives to resolve a "family dispute". The father later surrendered to the police and confessed to murdering his daughter.
On Sunday, security forces prevented some 20 activists from demonstrating outside the country's Supreme Judicial Council, and they gathered instead at a road leading to the building, an AFP journalist said.
Some held placards saying "Stop killing women" and "Tiba's killer must be held to account".
"We demand laws to protect women, especially laws against domestic violence," 22-year-old protester Rose Hamid told AFP.
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"We came here to protest against Tiba's murder and against all others. Who will be the next victim?"
Another demonstrator, Lina Ali, said: "We will keep mobilising because of rising domestic violence and killings of women."
On the sidelines of Sunday's demonstration, human rights activist Hanaa Edwar was received by a magistrate from the Supreme Judicial Council to whom she presented the protesters' grievances.
Tiba al-Ali had lived in Turkey since 2017 and was visiting Iraq when she was killed, a security official in Diwaniyah told AFP.
In Turkey she had gained a following on YouTube, posting videos of her daily life in which her fiance often appeared.
Recordings have been shared on social media by a friend of Ali, and picked up by activists, reportedly of conversations with the father, angry because she was living in Turkey.
In the recordings, she also accuses her brother of sexual harassment.

At a United Nations Security Council meeting on Iraq, India gave a call for collective action against countries sponsoring terrorism, like Pakistan.

India at UNSC: need 'zero tolerance' approach to defeat terrorism

At a United Nations Security Council meeting on Iraq, India gave a call for collective action against countries sponsoring terrorism, like Pakistan.

At a United Nations Security Council meeting on Iraq, India gave a call for collective action against countries sponsoring terrorism, like Pakistan.
Ruchira Kamboj, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said, "Terrorism in all its forms and manifestations remains a global challenge and only a unified and zero-tolerance approach to terrorism can eventually defeat it."
She invoked the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks to highlight the danger of unchecked terrorism.
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"India strongly believes that the credibility of our collective fight against terrorism can be strengthened only when we can ensure accountability for the grave and inhuman acts of terror committed by terrorists and take strong measures against those who encourage, support, and finance terrorism," Kamboj said.

Armed supporters of a powerful Iraqi cleric who clashed with security forces in the capital began to withdraw from the streets, restoring a measure of calm after a serious escalation of the nation's political crisis.

Iraqis heed cleric's plea to leave streets after clashes

Armed supporters of a powerful Iraqi cleric who clashed with security forces in the capital began to withdraw from the streets, restoring a measure of calm after a serious escalation of the nation's political crisis following an appeal for peace by cleric Muqtada al-Sadr on Tuesday. 

Iraq's military also announced the lifting of a nationwide curfew, further raising hopes that the immediate crisis was ebbing, though the larger political crisis remained unresolved.&nbsp;

Armed supporters of a powerful Iraqi cleric who clashed with security forces in the capital began to withdraw from the streets, restoring a measure of calm after a serious escalation of the nation's political crisis.
Following two days of deadly unrest that sparked fears instability might spread throughout the country and even the region, cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, 48, on Tuesday told his supporters to leave the government quarter where they had rallied.
Within minutes, some could be seen heeding the call, dismantling their tents and walking out of the area known as the Green Zone.
The cleric's supporters packed up their belongings and trucks ferried away bundled up mattresses. Mounds of trash littered thoroughfares and the steps leading up to Iraq's parliament building.
A portrait of al-Sadr waving was placed against a tree as his followers rolled up carpets, tea glasses and the remnants of their four-week sit-in.
Iraq's military also announced the lifting of a nationwide curfew, further raising hopes that the immediate crisis was ebbing, though the larger political crisis remained unresolved.
Al-Sadr's move to de-escalate tensions raised questions of how issues such as the dissolution of parliament and the holding of early elections will be handled between rival groups.
Iraq's Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, in a speech late on Tuesday, threatened to vacate his post if the political crisis continues.
Protesters supporting al-Sadr's rivals also withdrew from their demonstration outside the government zone.
Iraq's government has been deadlocked since al-Sadr's party won the largest share of seats in October parliamentary elections but not enough to secure a majority government.
That led to months of political infighting between al-Sadr's Shiite followers and his Iran-backed Shia rivals before it became violent on Monday.
The chaos began when al-Sadr announced he would resign from politics. Many dismissed the move as a ploy to gain greater leverage, and his supporters stormed the Green Zone, once the stronghold of the US military and now home to Iraqi government offices and foreign embassies.
They eventually breached the gates of the government palace, rushing into its lavish salons and marbled halls.
On Tuesday, his followers could be seen on live television firing both machine guns and rocket-propelled grenades into the heavily-fortified Green Zone, while security forces sporadically returned fire and armoured tanks lined up.
Some bystanders filmed the gunfight with their mobile phones, though most hid behind walls, wincing when rounds cracked nearby.
At least 30 people were killed, officials said, before al-Sadr urged those loyal to him to go home, following pleas for restraint from several Iraqi officials and the United Nations.
&ldquo;This is not a revolution,&rdquo; the cleric said in a televised address.
Al-Kadhimi said an investigative committee was formed to uncover who shot at al-Sadr's supporters during protests on Monday, &ldquo;despite our clear and strict orders prohibiting the use of live ammunition&rdquo;.
&ldquo;It is also imperative to determine who opened fire and launched rockets and mortars on governmental institutions throughout the night,&rdquo; he said in the speech. &ldquo;Undisciplined groups will face legal consequences." Al-Sadr, who spurred his followers to storm the parliament in July with calls for revolution and reform, apologised to the Iraqi people and said he could not support the violence.
The immediate shift on the streets underscored his enduring control over his loyalists, and by extension his influence over the Iraqi political class.
In addition to the dozens killed, over 400 were wounded, two Iraqi medical officials said on Tuesday. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorised to release the information to journalists.
In a sign of the fear that the unrest would spread, Iran closed its borders to Iraq earlier Tuesday, though even before al-Sadr's order, streets beyond the capital's government quarter largely remained calm.
The country's vital oil continued to flow, with global benchmark Brent crude trading slightly down.
Later on Tuesday, Iran reopened its border with Iraq and resumed flights to the country, Iranian state TV reported.
Members of Iraq's majority Shiite Muslim population were oppressed when Saddam Hussein ruled the country for decades.
The 2003 US-led invasion that toppled Saddam, a Sunni, reversed the political order. Just under two-thirds of Iraq is Shiite, with a third Sunni.
Now, the Shias are fighting among themselves, with those backed by Iran and those who consider themselves Iraqi nationalists jockeying for power, influence and state resources.
It's an explosive rivalry in a country where many are wary of the Iranian government's influence even though trade and ties between people remain strong. Iraq and Iran fought a bloody war in the 1980s that saw a million people killed.
Al-Sadr's nationalist rhetoric and reform agenda resonates powerfully with his supporters, who largely hail from Iraq's poorest sectors of society and were historically shut out of the political system under Saddam.
Al-Sadr's initial announcement that he would leave politics implicitly gave his supporters the freedom to act as they see fit. His speech on Tuesday, effectively reined them back in.
Before that, the unrest led neighbouring countries to issue warnings to their citizens and one embassy closed.
In addition to closing its borders, Iran urged its citizens to avoid any travel to the neighboring country, citing the unrest. The decision came as millions prepared to visit Iraq for an annual pilgrimage to Shiite sites.
Kuwait, which shares a 254-kilometre (158-mile) long border with Iraq, called on its citizens to leave the neighbouring country.
The state-run KUNA news agency also encouraged those hoping to travel to Iraq to delay their plans.
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued a security alert for US citizens urging them to avoid the Green Zone and other areas where demonstrations are occurring as well as a Do Not Travel advisory.
The Netherlands evacuated its embassy in the Green Zone, Foreign Affairs Minister Wopke Hoekstra tweeted early on Tuesday.
&ldquo;There are firefights around the embassy in Baghdad. Our staff are now working at the German embassy elsewhere in the city,&rdquo; Hoekstra wrote.
Dubai's long-haul carrier Emirates stopped flights to Baghdad on Tuesday. The carrier said that it was &ldquo;monitoring the situation closely&rdquo;. It did not say when flights would resume.&nbsp;
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Supporters of a prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric fired rocket-propelled grenades into Iraq's Green Zone as machine gun fire crackled overhead on Tuesday, deepening the political chaos gripping the Mideast nation.
Those backing influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr fired into the Green Zone, where it appeared Iraqi security forces were firing back at them.
Live television footage showed the chaos, with at least one wounded man being taken away in a three-wheel rickshaw, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry visible behind them.
The death toll rose to 22 Iraqis on Tuesday after the unrest erupted the previous day, according to two medical officials.
Iraq's military said four rockets were launched into the heavily fortified Green Zone.
Al-Sadr's sudden resignation has catapulted Iraq into violence and chaos with no clear path out.
The cleric derives power from his ability to mobilise and control his large grassroots following, but with his stated exit from politics, he has implicitly given them the freedom to act as they see fit.
To avenge the killing of unarmed loyalists, al-Sadr's militia Saraya Salam clashed with Iraqi security forces in the Green Zone using an array of weapons, including mortars and rocket-propelled grenades, two security officials said.
The militia also took over some headquarters belonging to rival Iran-backed militia groups in the southern provinces overnight.
Iranian state television cited “unrests” and “curfew” in Iraqi cities for the reason for the border closures. It urged Iranians avoid any travel to Iraq while urging Iran's Shiite pilgrims in Iraq to avoid further travel between cities.
Iraq's government has been deadlocked since al-Sadr's party won the largest share of seats in October parliamentary elections but not enough to secure a majority government.
His refusal to negotiate with his Iran-backed Shiite rivals and subsequent exit from the talks has catapulted the country into political uncertainty and volatility amid intensifying intra-Shiite wrangling.
To further his political interests, al-Sadr has wrapped his rhetoric with a nationalist and reform agenda that resonates powerfully among his broad grassroots base of supporters.
They are calling for the dissolution of parliament and early elections without the participation of Iran-backed Shiite groups, which they see as responsible for the status quo.
The decision came as millions of Iranians were preparing to visit Iraq for annual pilgrimage to Shiite sites.

Heavy gunfire in Iraq's Green Zone as violent protests continue

Supporters of a prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric fired rocket-propelled grenades into Iraq's Green Zone as machine gun fire crackled overhead on Tuesday

The death toll rose to 22 Iraqis on Tuesday after the unrest erupted the previous day, according to two medical officials.

Supporters of a prominent Iraqi Shiite cleric fired rocket-propelled grenades into Iraq's Green Zone as machine gun fire crackled overhead on Tuesday, deepening the political chaos gripping the Mideast nation.
Those backing influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr fired into the Green Zone, where it appeared Iraqi security forces were firing back at them.
Live television footage showed the chaos, with at least one wounded man being taken away in a three-wheel rickshaw, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry visible behind them.
The death toll rose to 22 Iraqis on Tuesday after the unrest erupted the previous day, according to two medical officials.
Iraq's military said four rockets were launched into the heavily fortified Green Zone.
Al-Sadr's sudden resignation has catapulted Iraq into violence and chaos with no clear path out.
The cleric derives power from his ability to mobilise and control his large grassroots following, but with his stated exit from politics, he has implicitly given them the freedom to act as they see fit.
To avenge the killing of unarmed loyalists, al-Sadr's militia Saraya Salam clashed with Iraqi security forces in the Green Zone using an array of weapons, including mortars and rocket-propelled grenades, two security officials said.
The militia also took over some headquarters belonging to rival Iran-backed militia groups in the southern provinces overnight.
Iranian state television cited &ldquo;unrests&rdquo; and &ldquo;curfew&rdquo; in Iraqi cities for the reason for the border closures. It urged Iranians avoid any travel to Iraq while urging Iran's Shiite pilgrims in Iraq to avoid further travel between cities.
Iraq's government has been deadlocked since al-Sadr's party won the largest share of seats in October parliamentary elections but not enough to secure a majority government.
His refusal to negotiate with his Iran-backed Shiite rivals and subsequent exit from the talks has catapulted the country into political uncertainty and volatility amid intensifying intra-Shiite wrangling.
To further his political interests, al-Sadr has wrapped his rhetoric with a nationalist and reform agenda that resonates powerfully among his broad grassroots base of supporters.
They are calling for the dissolution of parliament and early elections without the participation of Iran-backed Shiite groups, which they see as responsible for the status quo.
The decision came as millions of Iranians were preparing to visit Iraq for annual pilgrimage to Shiite sites.
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At least 20 protesters have been killed after an influential Shiite cleric announced on Monday that he would resign from Iraqi politics, prompting hundreds of his angry followers to storm the government palace and sparking clashes with security forces and between rival militias. .
Protesters loyal to cleric Muqtada al-Sadr pulled down the cement barriers outside the government palace with ropes and breached the palace gates. Many rushed into the lavish salons and marbled halls of the palace, a key meeting place for Iraqi heads of state and foreign dignitaries.
Iraq's military announced a nationwide curfew, and the caretaker premier suspended Cabinet sessions in response to the violence. Medical officials said dozens of protesters were wounded by gunfire and tear gas and physical altercations with riot police.
As night fell, a militia loyal to al-Sadr clashed with the Popular Mobilization Forces security inside the heavily fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraq's government, wounding at least one woman, according to two security officials. Several mortar rounds were heard, the officials said.
The crackle of machine gun fire persisted and echoed throughout central Baghdad.
The PMF is an umbrella group composed of state-sanctioned paramilitary groups, the most powerful of which are aligned with al-Sadr's rivals in the Iran-backed political camp.
Security officials said mortars and rocket-propelled grenades were used in the clashes, a culmination of intractable political impasse between the rival camps.
Iraq's government has been deadlocked since al-Sadr's party won the largest share of seats in October parliamentary elections but not enough to secure a majority government. His refusal to negotiate with his Iran-backed Shiite rivals and subsequent exit from the talks has catapulted the country into political uncertainty and volatility amid intensifying intra-Shiite wrangling.
Iraq's majority Muslim population is split into two sects, Shiites and Sunnis. Under Saddam Hussein, the Shiites were oppressed until the U.S.-led invasion reversed the political order. Now the Shiites are fighting among themselves, with the dispute centering around power and state resources but also influence over the Shiite street.
To further his political interests, al-Sadr has wrapped his rhetoric with a nationalist and reform agenda that resonates powerfully among his broad grassroots base of supporters who hail from Iraq's poorest sectors of society and have historically been shut out from the political system.
Many were first followers of his father, a revered figure in Shiite Islam. They are calling for the dissolution of parliament and early elections without the participation of Iran-backed Shiite groups, which they see as responsible for the status quo.
During Monday's clashes, Saraya Salam, a militia aligned with al-Sadr gathered in the capital's Tahrir Square to “protect” protesters, one of its commanders said.
An Associated Press photographer heard gunshots being fired in the capital and saw several protesters bleeding and being carried away. It was not immediately clear who fired the gunshots.
A senior medical official confirmed at least 10 protesters were killed by gunfire. The number was also confirmed by the Sadrist media office, which provided a list of 10 names.
Iraq's caretaker premier said he would open an investigation into the shootings and said the use of live ammunition against protesters was forbidden.
Protests also broke out in the Shiite-majority southern provinces, with al-Sadr's supporters burning tires and blocking roads in the oil-rich province of Basra and hundreds demonstrating outside the governorate building in Missan.
Iran considers intra-Shiite disharmony as a threat against its influence in Iraq and has repeatedly attempted to broker dialogue with al-Sadr.
In July, Al-Sadr's supporters broke into the parliament to deter his rivals in the Coordination Framework, an alliance of mostly Iran-aligned Shiite parties, from forming a government. Hundreds have been staging a sit-in outside the building for over four weeks. His bloc has also resigned from parliament. The Framework is led by al-Sadr's chief nemesis, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
This is not the first time al-Sadr, who has called for early elections and the dissolution of parliament, has announced his retirement from politics — and many dismissed Monday's move as another bluff to gain greater leverage against his rivals amid a worsening stalemate. The cleric has used the tactic on previous occasions when political developments did not go his way.
But many are concerned that it's a risky gambit and are worried how it will impact Iraq's fragile political climate. By stepping out of the political process, al-Sadr is giving his followers, most disenfranchised from the political system, the green light to act as they see fit.
Al-Sadr also commands a militia and maintains a great degree of influence within Iraq's state institutions through the appointments of key civil servant positions. His Iran-backed rivals also have militia groups.
Iraq's military swiftly announced a nationwide curfew beginning at 7 p.m. It called on the cleric's supporters to withdraw immediately from the heavily fortified government zone and to practice self-restraint “to prevent clashes or the spilling of Iraqi blood,” according to a statement.
“The security forces affirm their responsibility to protect government institutions, international missions, public and private properties,” the statement said

20 dead as protests erupt in Iraq after influential cleric quits politics

At least 20 protesters have been killed after an influential Shiite cleric announced on Monday that he would resign from Iraqi politics,

Protesters loyal to cleric Muqtada al-Sadr pulled down the cement barriers outside the government palace with ropes and breached the palace gates.

At least 20 protesters have been killed after an influential Shiite cleric announced on Monday that he would resign from Iraqi politics, prompting hundreds of his angry followers to storm the government palace and sparking clashes with security forces and between rival militias. .
Protesters loyal to cleric Muqtada al-Sadr pulled down the cement barriers outside the government palace with ropes and breached the palace gates. Many rushed into the lavish salons and marbled halls of the palace, a key meeting place for Iraqi heads of state and foreign dignitaries.
Iraq's military announced a nationwide curfew, and the caretaker premier suspended Cabinet sessions in response to the violence. Medical officials said dozens of protesters were wounded by gunfire and tear gas and physical altercations with riot police.
As night fell, a militia loyal to al-Sadr clashed with the Popular Mobilization Forces security inside the heavily fortified Green Zone, the seat of Iraq's government, wounding at least one woman, according to two security officials. Several mortar rounds were heard, the officials said.
The crackle of machine gun fire persisted and echoed throughout central Baghdad.
The PMF is an umbrella group composed of state-sanctioned paramilitary groups, the most powerful of which are aligned with al-Sadr's rivals in the Iran-backed political camp.
Security officials said mortars and rocket-propelled grenades were used in the clashes, a culmination of intractable political impasse between the rival camps.
Iraq's government has been deadlocked since al-Sadr's party won the largest share of seats in October parliamentary elections but not enough to secure a majority government. His refusal to negotiate with his Iran-backed Shiite rivals and subsequent exit from the talks has catapulted the country into political uncertainty and volatility amid intensifying intra-Shiite wrangling.
Iraq's majority Muslim population is split into two sects, Shiites and Sunnis. Under Saddam Hussein, the Shiites were oppressed until the U.S.-led invasion reversed the political order. Now the Shiites are fighting among themselves, with the dispute centering around power and state resources but also influence over the Shiite street.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/sri-lanka-like-scenes-in-iraq-now-protestors-storm-presidential-palace-over-shi-ite-cleric-s-resignation-1661775286252">Sri Lanka-like protests in Iraq: protestors storm Presidential Palace as Shi'ite cleric quits politics</a>
To further his political interests, al-Sadr has wrapped his rhetoric with a nationalist and reform agenda that resonates powerfully among his broad grassroots base of supporters who hail from Iraq's poorest sectors of society and have historically been shut out from the political system.
Many were first followers of his father, a revered figure in Shiite Islam. They are calling for the dissolution of parliament and early elections without the participation of Iran-backed Shiite groups, which they see as responsible for the status quo.
During Monday's clashes, Saraya Salam, a militia aligned with al-Sadr gathered in the capital's Tahrir Square to &ldquo;protect&rdquo; protesters, one of its commanders said.
An Associated Press photographer heard gunshots being fired in the capital and saw several protesters bleeding and being carried away. It was not immediately clear who fired the gunshots.
A senior medical official confirmed at least 10 protesters were killed by gunfire. The number was also confirmed by the Sadrist media office, which provided a list of 10 names.
Iraq's caretaker premier said he would open an investigation into the shootings and said the use of live ammunition against protesters was forbidden.
Protests also broke out in the Shiite-majority southern provinces, with al-Sadr's supporters burning tires and blocking roads in the oil-rich province of Basra and hundreds demonstrating outside the governorate building in Missan.
Iran considers intra-Shiite disharmony as a threat against its influence in Iraq and has repeatedly attempted to broker dialogue with al-Sadr.
In July, Al-Sadr's supporters broke into the parliament to deter his rivals in the Coordination Framework, an alliance of mostly Iran-aligned Shiite parties, from forming a government. Hundreds have been staging a sit-in outside the building for over four weeks. His bloc has also resigned from parliament. The Framework is led by al-Sadr's chief nemesis, former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.
This is not the first time al-Sadr, who has called for early elections and the dissolution of parliament, has announced his retirement from politics &mdash; and many dismissed Monday's move as another bluff to gain greater leverage against his rivals amid a worsening stalemate. The cleric has used the tactic on previous occasions when political developments did not go his way.
But many are concerned that it's a risky gambit and are worried how it will impact Iraq's fragile political climate. By stepping out of the political process, al-Sadr is giving his followers, most disenfranchised from the political system, the green light to act as they see fit.
Al-Sadr also commands a militia and maintains a great degree of influence within Iraq's state institutions through the appointments of key civil servant positions. His Iran-backed rivals also have militia groups.
Iraq's military swiftly announced a nationwide curfew beginning at 7 p.m. It called on the cleric's supporters to withdraw immediately from the heavily fortified government zone and to practice self-restraint &ldquo;to prevent clashes or the spilling of Iraqi blood,&rdquo; according to a statement.
&ldquo;The security forces affirm their responsibility to protect government institutions, international missions, public and private properties,&rdquo; the statement said

Massive protests broke out in Iraq's capital city Baghdad on 29 August. In scenes reminiscent of the Sri Lanka crisis, Iraqi protestors were seen storming the Presidential Palace.
Protestors were seen clashing with security personnel inside the palace. Security personnel tried to make the protestors exit.
Protestors were seen heading towards the Green Zone in overflowing vehicles. Demonstrators also breached the Unknown Soldier monument. Some burned tyres on the roads in Basrah city.
With the security situation worsening, authorities announced a curfew in Baghdad. The Iraqi Joint Operations Command declared a complete lockdown in Baghdad, including civilians and vehicles, from 3:30 pm on 29 August.
The protestors are supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr, an influential Shi'ite cleric. Amid a political crisis in Iraq, al-Sadr announced his resignation from politics, and closure of his party offices on 29 August.
His supporters had been staging a protest outside the parliament for over 4 weeks. In elections held in October, al-Sadr had won the largest share of seats, but couldn't form a majority government. al-Sadr has been demanding dissolution of parliament, and early elections.

Sri Lanka-like protests in Iraq: protestors storm Presidential Palace as Shi'ite cleric quits politics

Sri Lanka-like scenes in Iraq now: protestors storm Presidential Palace over Shi'ite cleric's resignation

Amid a political crisis in Iraq, Muqtada al-Sadr announced his resignation from politics, and closure of his party offices on 29 August.

Massive protests broke out in Iraq's capital city Baghdad on 29 August. In scenes reminiscent of the Sri Lanka crisis, Iraqi protestors were seen storming the Presidential Palace.
Protestors were seen clashing with security personnel inside the palace. Security personnel tried to make the protestors exit.
Protestors were seen heading towards the Green Zone in overflowing vehicles. Demonstrators also breached the Unknown Soldier monument. Some burned tyres on the roads in Basrah city.
With the security situation worsening, authorities announced a curfew in Baghdad. The Iraqi Joint Operations Command declared a complete lockdown in Baghdad, including civilians and vehicles, from 3:30 pm on 29 August.
The protestors are supporters of Muqtada al-Sadr, an influential Shi'ite cleric. Amid a political crisis in Iraq, al-Sadr announced his resignation from politics, and closure of his party offices on 29 August.
His supporters had been staging a protest outside the parliament for over 4 weeks. In elections held in October, al-Sadr had won the largest share of seats, but couldn't form a majority government. al-Sadr has been demanding dissolution of parliament, and early elections.
Also Watch| <a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/terror-case-on-imran-khan-pakistan-ex-pm-accused-of-threatening-police-judges-election-commission-1661132183510">Terror case on Imran Khan: Pakistan ex-PM accused of threatening police, judges, Election Commission</a>

Over 500 Indian websites attacked. From government agencies, to universities and schools; from police, to agricultural bodies - the hack attack has been indiscriminate.
The sudden cyber onslaught has been sparked by comments regarding Mohammad, who is considered a Prophet, or messenger of Allah, by followers of Islam. The comments were made by BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal who have since been suspended.
After a diplomatic storm, the Indian government is now worrying about cyber tsunamis. So, who is behind all these attacks?
ALSO WATCH | Al Qaeda threatens India over Islamic Prophet Mohammad controversy, weeks after comment on hijab ban
One of the groups which has claimed responsibility for the hack attacks is DragonForce. It is reportedly a hacking collective based in Malaysia, and is very active on social media. DragonForce has launched an anti-India campaign called 'OpsPatuk' or 'strike back'. The hackers have apparently published social media credentials, and bank usernames &amp; passwords of Indians. DragonForce has been associated with Pakistani hacking groups in the past.
Another group whose name has emerged is 1877. It is apparently a grouping of Iraqi hackers who seem to have partnered with DragonForce for OpsPatuk. 1877 group attacked the ICAR website, among others.
Then there is One Hat Cyber Team, a group of hackers who apparently belong to Indonesia. The One Hat Cyber Team hacked the website of Thane Police, and demanded an apology over the Mohammad controversy.
The targets of these cyber criminals have been varied. Some of the websites which were attacked include those of the Indian embassy in Israel, the Maharashtra Judicial Academy, Thane Police, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Institute of Science, Nagpur.
Cyber crime is turning out to be a major threat for India. The country saw 1.8 crore cyber attacks and threats in the first three months of 2022, as per US-based cyber security firm Norton. Between January and March, India saw almost 60,000 phishing attempts, and over 30,000 tech support scams, according to the Norton study.
To fight off hacking attempts, website owners must examine vulnerabilities and plug loopholes. This would include fixing issues like default passwords, and unpatched or outdated servers.

Revealed: who's behind hack attacks on India over Islamic Prophet Mohammad row

Islamic Prophet Mohammad row: one of the groups which has claimed responsibility for the hack attacks is DragonForce, a hacking collective based in Malaysia which has been associated with Pakistani hackers in the past.

Over 500 Indian websites attacked. From government agencies, to universities and schools; from police, to agricultural bodies - the hack attack has been indiscriminate.
The sudden cyber onslaught has been sparked by comments regarding Mohammad, who is considered a Prophet, or messenger of Allah, by followers of Islam. The comments were made by BJP leaders Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal who have since been suspended.
After a diplomatic storm, the Indian government is now worrying about cyber tsunamis. So, who is behind all these attacks?
ALSO WATCH | <a href="https://www.editorji.com/india-news/prophet-comment-row-al-qaeda-threatens-terror-attacks-in-india-1654612467564" target="_blank">Al Qaeda threatens India over Islamic Prophet Mohammad controversy, weeks after comment on hijab ban</a>
One of the groups which has claimed responsibility for the hack attacks is DragonForce. It is reportedly a hacking collective based in Malaysia, and is very active on social media. DragonForce has launched an anti-India campaign called 'OpsPatuk' or 'strike back'. The hackers have apparently published social media credentials, and bank usernames &amp; passwords of Indians. DragonForce has been associated with Pakistani hacking groups in the past.
Another group whose name has emerged is 1877. It is apparently a grouping of Iraqi hackers who seem to have partnered with DragonForce for OpsPatuk. 1877 group attacked the ICAR website, among others.
Then there is One Hat Cyber Team, a group of hackers who apparently belong to Indonesia. The One Hat Cyber Team hacked the website of Thane Police, and demanded an apology over the Mohammad controversy.
The targets of these cyber criminals have been varied. Some of the websites which were attacked include those of the Indian embassy in Israel, the Maharashtra Judicial Academy, Thane Police, National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, and Institute of Science, Nagpur.
Cyber crime is turning out to be a major threat for India. The country saw 1.8 crore cyber attacks and threats in the first three months of 2022, as per US-based cyber security firm Norton. Between January and March, India saw almost 60,000 phishing attempts, and over 30,000 tech support scams, according to the Norton study.
To fight off hacking attempts, website owners must examine vulnerabilities and plug loopholes. This would include fixing issues like default passwords, and unpatched or outdated servers.

Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of the Islamic State group was killed on Thursday, blowing himself up along with members of his family during an overnight raid carried out by US special operations forces in northwestern Syria. 
A veteran militant since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, he took the name Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi when he took over command of IS after al-Baghdadi was killed in the October 2019 raid. It was up to him to lead the group's remnants as they regrouped following the downfall of their caliphate and shifted underground to wage an insurgency in Iraq and Syria.
His death comes as IS militants, after years of low-level hit-and-run ambushes, had begun to carry out bolder, higher profile attacks. Last month, its fighters attacked a prison in northeast Syria to free their jailed comrades, leading to a 10 day battle with Kurdish-led forces that left some 500 dead.
His real name was Amir Mohammed Saeed Abdul-Rahman al-Mawla, an Iraqi in his mid-40s, born in 1976 and believed to be an ethnic Turkman from the northern Iraqi town of Tel Afar. He held a degree in Islamic law from the University of Mosul.
His adoption of the nickname al-Qurayshi when he became IS' “caliph”, suggested that he, like his predecessor, claimed links to the tribe of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
Al-Qurayshi began his militant work shortly after former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was removed from power. A year after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, al-Qurayshi joined al-Qaida in Iraq, run by Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Al-Qurayshi was arrested by US troops in Mosul in 2004, where he was held for two years. During his imprisonment, he became al-Baghdadi's top security henchman.
Following al-Zarqawi's death in a US strike in 2006, al-Qurayshi became a senior official with the al-Qaida affiliate's successor group, the Islamic State in Iraq, which under al-Baghdadi transformed into the Islamic State group.
When IS overran much of northern and eastern Syria and northern Iraq and declared its caliphate in 2014, al-Qurayshi became a senior official in the leadership. As the group's caliphate crumbled in the years-long war with a US-led coalition in both Iraq and Syria, he went into hiding. 

Who was Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the ISIS leader who blew himself up in US raid

A veteran militant since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi took over command of IS after al-Baghdadi was killed in the October 2019 raid.

Who was Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the Islamic State leader killed in US raid

Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of the Islamic State group was killed on Thursday, blowing himself up along with members of his family during an overnight raid carried out by US special operations forces in northwestern Syria.&nbsp;
A veteran militant since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, he took over command of IS after al-Baghdadi was killed in the October 2019 raid. It was up to him to lead the group's remnants as they regrouped following the downfall of their caliphate and shifted underground to wage an insurgency in Iraq and Syria.
His death comes as IS militants, after years of low-level hit-and-run ambushes, had begun to carry out bolder, higher profile attacks. Last month, its fighters attacked a prison in northeast Syria to free their jailed comrades, leading to a 10 day battle with Kurdish-led forces that left some 500 dead.
Al-Qurayshi began his militant work shortly after former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was removed from power. A year after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, al-Qurayshi joined al-Qaida in Iraq, run by Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Al-Qurayshi was arrested by US troops in Mosul in 2004, where he was held for two years. During his imprisonment, he became al-Baghdadi's top security henchman.
Following al-Zarqawi's death in a US strike in 2006, al-Qurayshi became a senior official with the al-Qaida affiliate's successor group, the Islamic State in Iraq, which under al-Baghdadi transformed into the Islamic State group.
When IS overran much of northern and eastern Syria and northern Iraq and declared its caliphate in 2014, al-Qurayshi became a senior official in the leadership. As the group's caliphate crumbled in the years-long war with a US-led coalition in both Iraq and Syria, he went into hiding.&nbsp;

A veteran militant since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi took over command of IS after al-Baghdadi was killed in the October 2019 raid.

Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi, the leader of the Islamic State group was killed on Thursday, blowing himself up along with members of his family during an overnight raid carried out by US special operations forces in northwestern Syria.&nbsp;
A veteran militant since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003, he took the name Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurayshi when he took over command of IS after al-Baghdadi was killed in the October 2019 raid. It was up to him to lead the group's remnants as they regrouped following the downfall of their caliphate and shifted underground to wage an insurgency in Iraq and Syria.
His death comes as IS militants, after years of low-level hit-and-run ambushes, had begun to carry out bolder, higher profile attacks. Last month, its fighters attacked a prison in northeast Syria to free their jailed comrades, leading to a 10 day battle with Kurdish-led forces that left some 500 dead.
His real name was Amir Mohammed Saeed Abdul-Rahman al-Mawla, an Iraqi in his mid-40s, born in 1976 and believed to be an ethnic Turkman from the northern Iraqi town of Tel Afar. He held a degree in Islamic law from the University of Mosul.
Also watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/joe-biden-claims-islamic-state-head-killed-during-us-raid-in-syria-1643910552728">Joe Biden claims Islamic State head killed during US raid in Syria</a>
His adoption of the nickname al-Qurayshi when he became IS' &ldquo;caliph&rdquo;, suggested that he, like his predecessor, claimed links to the tribe of Islam's Prophet Muhammad.
Al-Qurayshi began his militant work shortly after former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein was removed from power. A year after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq, al-Qurayshi joined al-Qaida in Iraq, run by Jordanian militant Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Al-Qurayshi was arrested by US troops in Mosul in 2004, where he was held for two years. During his imprisonment, he became al-Baghdadi's top security henchman.
Following al-Zarqawi's death in a US strike in 2006, al-Qurayshi became a senior official with the al-Qaida affiliate's successor group, the Islamic State in Iraq, which under al-Baghdadi transformed into the Islamic State group.
When IS overran much of northern and eastern Syria and northern Iraq and declared its caliphate in 2014, al-Qurayshi became a senior official in the leadership. As the group's caliphate crumbled in the years-long war with a US-led coalition in both Iraq and Syria, he went into hiding.&nbsp;

An explosive-laden drone targeted the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Baghdad early on Sunday in what the Iraqi military called an attempted assassination. The prime minister is reported to have escaped unhurt.&nbsp;
Several members of Kadhimi's personal protection have also been injured, according to news reports.&nbsp;
The attack came after protests in Baghdad over the result of a general election last month turned violent.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on Kadhimi's residence in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies.

Explosives-laden drone targets Iraq PM's house, military calls it 'assassination attempt'

A drone targeted the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister early on Sunday in what the Iraqi military called an attempted assassination.

Drone with explosives targets the residence of Iraq PM Kadhimi It was an assassination attempt, PM unhurt says Iraqi military
Attack after protests over general election result turned violent No one has claimed responsibility for the attack

The prime minister is reported to have escaped unhurt.&nbsp;

An explosive-laden drone targeted the residence of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi in Baghdad early on Sunday in what the Iraqi military called an attempted assassination. The prime minister is reported to have escaped unhurt.&nbsp;
Several members of Kadhimi's personal protection have also been injured, according to news reports.&nbsp;
Also watch |<a href="https://www.editorji.com/world-news/knife-attack-on-german-train-at-least-three-wounded-attacker-arrested-1636199952083" target="_blank"> Knife attack on German train: at least three wounded, attacker arrested</a>
The attack came after protests in Baghdad over the result of a general election last month turned violent.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack on Kadhimi's residence in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies.

US President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year.&nbsp;The announcement comes on the heels of Biden's decision to withdraw fully from Afghanistan nearly 20 years after the U.S. launched that war in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
For years, U.S. troops have played support roles in Iraq and in neighboring Syria. After the Islamic State capture of large parts of Iraq, the US sent back its troops to help fight the extremists.
Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office session with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Biden said his administration remained committed to a partnership with Iraq.
US currently has about 2,500 troops on the ground in Iraq, which are routinely targeted by Iran-backed militias.&nbsp;

After Afghanistan, US to pull out troops from Iraq by year end

Close on the heels of Afghan withdrawal, US President Joe Biden&nbsp;has announced that he will call back US troops from Iraq by the year end

US President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year.&nbsp;The announcement comes on the heels of Biden's decision to withdraw fully from Afghanistan nearly 20 years after the U.S. launched that war in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
For years, U.S. troops have played support roles in Iraq and in neighboring Syria. After the Islamic State capture of large parts of Iraq, the US sent back its troops to help fight the extremists.
Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office session with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Biden said his administration remained committed to a partnership with Iraq.
US currently has about 2,500 troops on the ground in Iraq, which are routinely targeted by Iran-backed militias.&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden said Monday the US combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year.&nbsp;The announcement comes on the heels of Biden's decision to withdraw fully from Afghanistan

US President Joe Biden said Monday the U.S. combat mission in Iraq will conclude by the end of the year.&nbsp;The announcement comes on the heels of <a href="https://www.editorji.com/story/us-military-mission-in-afghanistan-to-end-on-august-31-joe-biden-1625793660282" target="_blank">Biden's decision to withdraw fully from Afghanistan</a> nearly 20 years after the U.S. launched that war in response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.
For years, U.S. troops have played support roles in Iraq and in neighboring Syria. After the Islamic State capture of large parts of Iraq, the US sent back its troops to help fight the extremists.
Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office session with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, Biden said his administration remained committed to a partnership with Iraq.
US currently has about 2,500 troops on the ground in Iraq, which are routinely targeted by Iran-backed militias.&nbsp;

At least 92 people have lost their lives and more than 100 have been injured in a fire that broke out in a Covid isolation ward at a hospital in Iraq's Nasiriyah city, as per latest reports.&nbsp;It was the second such fire reported from a hospital in the country in the last three months.&nbsp;
The fire started at southern Iraq's al-Hussain hospital after sparks in faulty wiring spread to an oxygen tank in the Covid ward and later exploded.
An investigation has been ordered into the incident and arrest warrants have been issued for as many as 13 people.&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has called for national mourning and has blamed corruption in the system for the fire.&nbsp;
As many as 82 people had died and more than 110 had sustained injuries in a similar explosion at a hospital in Baghdad in April this year.

Iraq hospital fire: Death toll rises to 92, over 100 injured, govt declares national mourning

Iraq hospital fire: Number of deaths rise to 92, enquiry ordered, govt declares national mourning

At least 92 people dead, over 100 injured in fire at Iraq hospital
Fire broke out in a Covid isolation ward at a hospital in&nbsp;Nasiriyah
This is the second fire reported from a hospital in Iraq in 3 months
Blaze started after sparks in faulty wiring spread to an oxygen tank
A probe has been ordered by Iraqi authorities, 13 people to be arrested
Iraqi PM has called for national mourning, blaming corruption for the&nbsp;mishap
Earlier in April, 82 people had died in a blast at a Baghdad hospital

An investigation has been ordered into the incident and arrest warrants have been issued for as many as 13 people.&nbsp;

At least 92 people have lost their lives and more than 100 have been injured in a fire that broke out in a Covid isolation ward at a hospital in Iraq's Nasiriyah city, as per latest reports.&nbsp;It was the second such fire reported from a hospital in the country in the last three months.&nbsp;
The fire started at southern Iraq's al-Hussain hospital after sparks in faulty wiring spread to an oxygen tank in the Covid ward and later exploded.
An investigation has been ordered into the incident and arrest warrants have been issued for as many as 13 people.&nbsp;Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has called for national mourning and has blamed corruption in the system for the fire.&nbsp;
As many as 82 people had died and more than 110 had sustained injuries in a similar explosion at a hospital in Baghdad in April this year.

The Pentagon on Monday released footage of US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran-backed militia groups. The release of footage has come at the critical moment when there is a talk of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and is expected to disturb fragile diplomatic scene.
The Biden administration said that the Sunday&rsquo;s &ldquo;defensive precision airstrikes&rdquo; targeted weapons storage facilities in Syria and another location in Iraq.
Sunday&rsquo;s strikes were the second time President Joe Biden has ordered a US military response in the region against Iranian-backed militia groups.
On Monday, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation in Iraq confirmed that American forces in Syria were attacked by multiple rockets in what may be retaliation for US airstrikes.

US releases footage of strikes in Iraq and Syria

The Pentagon has released footage of US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran-backed militia groups

The Pentagon on Monday released footage of US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran-backed militia groups. The release of footage has come at the critical moment when there is a talk of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and is expected to disturb fragile diplomatic scene.
The Biden administration said that the Sunday&rsquo;s &ldquo;defensive precision airstrikes&rdquo; targeted weapons storage facilities in Syria and another location in Iraq.
Sunday&rsquo;s strikes were the second time President Joe Biden has ordered a U.S. military response in the region against Iranian-backed militia groups.
On Monday, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation in Iraq confirmed that American forces in Syria were attacked by multiple rockets in what may be retaliation for US airstrikes.

The Pentagon on Monday released footage of US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran-backed militia groups.

The Pentagon on Monday released footage of US airstrikes in Iraq and Syria against Iran-backed militia groups. The release of footage has come at the critical moment when there is a talk of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal and is expected to disturb fragile diplomatic scene.
The Biden administration said that the Sunday&rsquo;s &ldquo;defensive precision airstrikes&rdquo; targeted weapons storage facilities in Syria and another location in Iraq.
Sunday&rsquo;s strikes were the second time President Joe Biden has ordered a US military response in the region against Iranian-backed militia groups.
On Monday, a spokesman for Combined Joint Task Force-Operation in Iraq confirmed that American forces in Syria were attacked by multiple rockets in what may be retaliation for US airstrikes.

Iraq's Interior Ministry said Sunday that 82 people died and 110 were injured in a catastrophic fire that broke out in the intensive care unit of a Baghdad hospital tending to severe coronavirus patients.
Among the dead were at least 28 patients on ventilators battling severe symptoms of the virus.
Negligence on the part of hospital authorities has been blamed for the Saturday night fire, which initial reports suggest was caused when an oxygen cylinder exploded in the ward of Ibn al-Khatib hospital. Iraq's prime minister fired key hospital officials hours after the catastrophic incident.
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82 Covid-19 patients die in Iraq hospital inferno 

Iraq's Interior Ministry said Sunday that 82 people died and 110 were injured in a catastrophic fire that broke out in the intensive care unit of a Baghdad hospital tending to severe coronavirus patients.
Among the dead were at least 28 patients on ventilators battling severe symptoms of the virus. 
Negligence on the part of hospital authorities has been blamed for the Saturday night fire, which initial reports suggest was caused when an oxygen cylinder exploded in the ward of Ibn al-Khatib hospital. Iraq's prime minister fired key hospital officials hours after the catastrophic incident.
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82 dead in Iraq after fire at Covid hospital 26 among the slain were o ventilators Fire caused an oxygen tank to explode Iraq's PM fired key hospital officials&nbsp;

Iraq's Interior Ministry said Sunday that 82 people died and 110 were injured in a catastrophic fire that broke out in the intensive care unit of a Baghdad hospital tending to severe coronavirus patients.
Among the dead were at least 28 patients on ventilators battling severe symptoms of the virus. 
Negligence on the part of hospital authorities has been blamed for the Saturday night fire, which initial reports suggest was caused when an oxygen cylinder exploded in the ward of Ibn al-Khatib hospital. Iraq's prime minister fired key hospital officials hours after the catastrophic incident.
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iraq

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