November 2019 - Iraq Special Weapons News

Iraq to summon, prosecute more top officials over corruption soon: Senior authority Press TV 30 Nov 2019 -- A high-ranking Iraqi official says authorities are going to issue arrest warrants for a number of high-ranking officials and refer them to the judiciary for trial over charges of corruption, as part of the government's reforms after a wave of protests over unemployment, corruption and lack of public services hit the country.
Protests Continue In Iraq Despite PM's Pledge To Quit RFE/RL 30 Nov 2019 -- Anti-government protests have continued in Iraq, a day after Prime Minister Adil Abdel-Mahdi announced his intention to resign under the pressure of nearly two months of unrest and a call from the country's top cleric for parliament to end its support of the government.
Iraqi Prime Minister Submits Resignation to Parliament - Reports Sputnik 30 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi stated earlier that he had paid heed to the message of the Iraqi Shiite religious authority about the severe situation in the country and the incapability of the authorities to deal with the problem over the last two months.
Iraqi Protests Continue Despite Prime Minister's Resignation Announcement VOA 30 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi protesters burned tires on three bridges Saturday in the southern city of Nasiriyah, despite the prime minister's announcement that he will step down from office.
Violence Continues in Iraq Despite PM's Resignation VOA 29 Nov 2019 -- Anti-government violence raged on in southern Iraq on Friday, despite the announced resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi. At least 21 people were killed in the southern part of the country, and one protester was killed in central Baghdad as demonstrations continued here, including a thousands-strong sit-in at Tahrir Square.
Iraqi prime minister announces intention to resign following Sistani call Press TV 29 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi says he intends to resign in response to a call by the country's top Shia cleric, who urged Iraqi lawmakers to "reconsider" their options regarding the future of Iraq.
Iraqi PM To Resign After Deadly Protests RFE/RL 29 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adil-Abdel Mahdi says he will resign, after nearly two months of anti-government protests that have cost more than 400 lives.
Iraqi Prime Minister to Submit Resignation Letter to Parliament Amid Protests Sputnik 29 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said Friday, following weeks of protests in the country, he would submit his resignation letter to parliament.
Ayatollah Sistani warns of enemy plot seeking to create civil strife, bring back 'era of dictatorship' Press TV 29 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's top cleric has warned that enemies of Iraq and affiliated groups in the country are plotting to create internal strife and bring the country back to the "era of dictatorship", an apparent reference to the former rule of Saddam Hussein.
Influential Iraqi cleric condemns mob attack on Iran consulate in Najaf Press TV 29 Nov 2019 -- Influential Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has condemned an arson attack on the Iranian consulate in Najaf, dismissing allegations that his followers were behind the Wednesday incident.
At Least 45 Protesters Shot Dead, 152 Others Wounded in Escalating Iraqi Unrest - Reports Sputnik 29 Nov 2019 -- At least 27 demonstrators have been shot dead and 152 others had been injured amid increasing protest violence in the south of Iraq and the country's capital of Baghdad, media reported, citing sources.
Iraq: UN 'deeply concerned' at continued protester deaths UN News 29 Nov 2019 -- UN chief António Guterres has expressed deep concern over reports of the continued use of live ammunition against demonstrators in Iraq.
Iraq apologizes to Iran for arson attack on consulate in Najaf Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's foreign minister has apologized to Iran after rioters set fire to the Islamic Republic's consulate in the holy city of Najaf.
Tehran, Baghdad denounce attack on Iranian consulate in Najaf Press TV 28 Nov 2019 -- Tehran and Baghdad have both condemned an attack on Iran's consulate during riots in Iraq's holy city of Najaf, with the Iraqi government saying the raid was actually meant to damage "historical" ties between the two neighbors.
Day Of Unrest In Iraq Claims Dozens Of Lives RFE/RL 28 Nov 2019 -- At least 33 people have been killed in clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters, reports say, in one of the bloodiest days since the unrest began nearly two months ago.
Iranian Foreign Minister Says Baghdad Apologized for Attack on Iranian Consulate Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi Foreign Minister Mohamed Ali Alhakim on Thursday apologized for the recent attack on the Iranian consulate in Iraq's southern city of Najaf in phone talks with his Iranian counterpart, Javad Zarif, the Iranian Foreign Minister said in a statement.
Dozens Killed in Southern Iraq City After Security Forces Fire Live Rounds at Protesters VOA 28 Nov 2019 -- The French news agency is reporting 22 protesters were killed and scores wounded in Iraq's southern Thi Qar province after security forces opened fire with live ammunition on crowds of mostly young protesters in the provincial capital of Nasiriyah.
Iraqi Najaf's Governor Says Nearly 50 Policemen Injured in Violence Outside Iranian Consulate Sputnik 28 Nov 2019 -- Forty-seven police members were wounded in clashes with demonstrators outside the Iranian consulate building in Iraq's southern city of Najaf, Luay Yasiri, the governor of the Najaf province, told Al Arabiya on Thursday.
Iranian Consulate In Iraq Torched Amid Anti-Government Protests RFE/RL 27 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi protesters have set fire to Iran's consulate in the southern city of Najaf.
UN Investigators Work to Prosecute Islamic State Terrorists VOA 26 Nov 2019 -- "I found myself under a pile of dead bodies," begins the somber Yazidi man named Kachi, speaking of the day Islamic State fighters terrorized his village in Iraq. "When I opened my eyes, I saw three of my brothers. They were next to me, they were dead. So were my nephews and cousins."
Readout of U.S. Under Secretary of Defense for Policy John C. Rood Visit to Iraq DoD 26 Nov 2019
Six dead in blasts in Iraqi capital amid deadly protests Press TV 26 Nov 2019 -- Six people were killed in near-simultaneous blasts across Iraq's capital late Tuesday, medics and a security source said, amid deadly anti-government protests that have rocked Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south for weeks.
Anti-government protests flare up in Iraqi cities Press TV 26 Nov 2019 -- Anti-government protests in Iraq have once again flared up, following a period of calm amid the public's persisting discontent with economic conditions.
Iraqi Air Force Strikes Daesh Fuel, Vehicle Storage Facilities - CENTCOM Sputnik 26 Nov 2019 -- The Iraqi Air Forces have carried out a successful airstrike on the Daesh* terror group fuel and vehicle storage facilities and bed-down locations, Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) said in a press release on Tuesday.
Courage of terrorism survivors underlines 'urgency' of UN Investigative Team's work in Iraq UN News 26 Nov 2019 -- The leader of the special UN Investigation Team probing crimes committed by ISIL terrorists in Iraq, said on Tuesday that the courage being demonstrated by survivors coming forward "serves to underline the urgency" they need to carry on with their work.
Pence Seeks To Reassure Kurds, Avoids Meetings With Iraqi Leaders In Baghdad RFE/RL 24 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence has sought to reassure Iraqi Kurdish leaders during a surprise visit to the country, but he will not travel to Baghdad to meet with officials of the American-backed national government, citing security concerns.
Iraq Boosts Security on Syrian Border to Prevent Daesh Terrorists Infiltration - Reports Sputnik 24 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi border guards along the Iraqi-Syrian frontier have increased security measures to prevent Daesh* terrorists from finding their way into the country, INA reported.
Three People Killed in Anti-Government Protests in Iraqi Southern City - Reports Sputnik 24 Nov 2019 -- Three people were killed as a result of protests in Iraq's southern city of Nasiriyah, amid ongoing anti-government demonstrations throughout the country, media reported.
Ex-Iraq PM slams unannounced visit by US VP Pence Press TV 23 Nov 2019 -- A former Iraqi prime minister has harshly criticized US Vice President Mike Pence for his surprise visit to the Kurdistan region of Iraq, saying the move was a violation of the sovereignty of the Arab country.
Remarks by Vice President Pence in a Press Gaggle | Erbil Air Base The White House 23 Nov 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence and President Barzani of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region Before Bilateral Meeting The White House 23 Nov 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence to Troops at Al Asad Air Base | Al Anbar Province, Iraq The White House 23 Nov 2019
Vice President Pence Visits Iraq The White House 23 Nov 2019
Remarks by Vice President Pence to Troops at Erbil Air Base The White House 23 Nov 2019
Pence makes surprise visit to Iraq Press TV 23 Nov 2019 -- US Vice President Mike Pence has made a surprise visit to Iraq amid ongoing protests in the capital city Baghdad, and some southern cities.
Pence Voices U.S. Support To Wary Kurds In Iraq RFE/RL 23 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Iraq on November 23 on an unannounced visit to reassure Iraqi Kurds of U.S. support after President Donald Trump's abrupt decision to withdraw troops from northern Syria.
More Deaths As Iraqi Protesters Clash With Security Forces In Baghdad RFE/RL 23 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi security forces clashed with protesters in Baghdad and near Basra, killing at least four people as the death toll rose to at least 340 since anti-government demonstrations began on October 1.
US Vice President Pays Unexpected Visit to US Military Base in Iraq, Meets President of Kurdistan Sputnik 23 Nov 2019 -- US Vice President Mike Pence arrived on Saturday at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq for an unexpected visit, the New York Times newspaper reported.
Reforming electoral laws only way to resolve deadly unrest in Iraq: Ayatollah Sistani Press TV 22 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's prominent Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called on politicians and legislators to speed up reforming electoral laws, warning that nothing but the changes can resolve weeks of protests in the capital Baghdad and some southern cities.
Unknown aircraft bombs headquarters of Yazidi militiamen in northern Iraq Press TV 20 Nov 2019 -- An unidentified aircraft has struck the headquarters of an Izadi militia group affiliated with the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) militant group in Iraq's northern province of Nineveh, leaving nearly two dozen people killed and wounded in the process.
Rocket hits Iraqi capital's Green Zone: Report Press TV 17 Nov 2019 -- A rocket has reportedly struck the heavily fortified Green Zone in the Iraqi capital city of Baghdad.
Iraqi Protesters Seize Strategic Bridges In Baghdad, Move Closer To Green Zone RFE/RL 17 Nov 2019 -- Anti-government protesters have seized control of a strategic square and two bridges in central Baghdad as they moved closer toward their goal of seizing the heavily fortified district that is the seat of the Iraqi government.
Iraq: Baghdad's Green Zone Hit by Rocket - Report Sputnik 17 Nov 2019 -- In recent weeks the Iraqi capital has been rocked by several rocket attacks, with one instance of projectiles targeting the US Embassy in the city's Green Zone and other missiles hitting the area near Taji Camp where US military personnel are stationed.
Deadly Anti-Government Protests Continue in Iraq VOA 17 Nov 2019 -- One Iraqi protester was killed and more than 30 others were wounded Sunday amid renewed clashes on a key bridge in Baghdad.
Iraq Closes Southern Border With Iran at Tehran's Request - Reports Sputnik 16 Nov 2019 -- The news comes amid protests over rising fuel prices in Iranian cities and months-long demonstrations in Iraq.
Iraqi Protesters Seize Ground in Central Baghdad VOA 16 Nov 2019 -- Protesters pushed closer Saturday to a protected area in central Baghdad that houses parliament and several foreign embassies, officials said.
Iraq's Sistani urges lawmakers to restore public faith in electoral process Press TV 15 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's prominent Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called on legislators to promptly introduce a fair electoral law that would restore people's faith in elections in the wake of weeks of protests in the capital Baghdad and a host of southern cities.
'3rd party' behind killing protesters with deadly smoke canisters, Iraq defense minister says Press TV 15 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi Defense Minister Najah al-Shammari says a "third party" is behind shooting at the Iraqi demonstrators, as the smoke canisters used to kill the protesters are not of the type imported by the Baghdad government.
Iraq problems must be resolved without any foreign intervention: Hakim Press TV 14 Nov 2019 -- Senior Iraqi Shia cleric and political leader Ammar al-Hakim says problems in the crisis-stricken country must be resolved without any foreign intervention, and that solutions to such troubles must be "indigenous and homegrown."
Sadr urges Iraqi parliament to initiate fundamental reforms Press TV 13 Nov 2019 -- Influential Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has called upon legislators to introduce sweeping reforms in the wake of ongoing anti-government protests in the country, dismissing any US and foreign intervention in Iraq's domestic affairs.
Iraqis paying an 'unthinkable price' to be heard, UN envoy tells politicians in Baghdad UN News 13 Nov 2019 -- Noting that the people of Iraq were at "a critical juncture", the top UN Envoy in the country told parliamentarians there on Thursday that over the past six weeks, hundreds of thousands have been peacefully voicing their "genuine, legitimate, demands, loud and clear".
Protests in Iraq Flare Up as Government Faces Mounting Pressure VOA 13 Nov 2019 -- Anti-government protestors rallied in Baghdad and in areas south of the capital Wednesday as the Iraqi government faces mounting pressure to respond to weeks of demonstrations.
President Salih: Reforms in Iraq natl. decision, won't be influenced by foreign diktats Press TV 12 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi President Barham Salih says reforms that the government of embattled Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has pledged to implement in the wake of anti-government protests are a domestic Iraqi issue par excellence and will not be influenced by foreign diktats.
Muqtada al-Sadr slams US for interfering in Iraq internal affairs Press TV 12 Nov 2019 -- Influential Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has lashed out at the United States for its interference in Iraq's internal affairs, threatening to take millions of demonstrators to streets if Washington keeps meddling in the Arab country.
Iraqi Protesters Clash With Security Forces in Baghdad VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi protesters took to the streets of at least half a dozen major towns and cities Monday, clashing with security forces in Baghdad, Nassiriya and Basra, while blocking roads in Karbala, Najaf, Hilla and Kut. United Nations envoy to Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, also met with Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, urging reforms and an end to violence against protesters.
UN Urges Electoral Reforms, Release of Protesters in Iraq VOA 11 Nov 2019 -- The United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq warned Sunday of the need for timely, tangible results in the government's response to protests that began in early October, and offered a roadmap to address some of the demonstrators' demands.
US Urges Iraq to Conduct Snap Elections, Halt Violence Against Protesters - White House Sputnik 11 Nov 2019 -- Iraq has been hit by nationwide protests that have prompted a heavy-handed response from the government, including over 300 dead and some 15,000 injured at the hands of security forces, widespread curfews and the cutting off of Internet access in Baghdad and other regions.
US calls for early vote as fresh unrest hits Iraqi capital Press TV 11 Nov 2019 -- The United States has called on Iraqi officials to hold early polls as more people fall victim to ongoing anti-government protests that Baghdad says are being hijacked by foreign-backed elements.
Statement from the Press Secretary The White House 10 Nov 2019
UN: Deadly Iraq Protests Risk Spiraling Out of Control VOA 09 Nov 2019 -- A U.N. agency is urging the Iraqi government to address the grievances of its people or risk that the ongoing deadly protests across the country could spiral even further out of control.
Iraqi PM promises electoral reform, discourages disturbance as factions reach deal to back govt. Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's prime minister says he recognizes the contribution that protests can make to political reforms, but urges against their interruption of day-to-day life in the Arab country.
Iraqi forces retake key bridges from protesters Press TV 09 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi security forces have regained control over three bridges in the central parts Baghdad, ending days-long partial blockades of the key passageways into the capital city's heavily-fortified Green Zone by anti-government protesters.
Iraqi Security Forces Kill Four Protesters in Baghdad Clashes, Dozens Injured RFE/RL 09 Nov 2019 -- Police and medics in Baghdad say Iraqi security forces killed at least four protesters on November 9 as authorities trying to clear the streets of demonstrators fired live ammunition, tear gas, and sound bombs.
Iraqi Military Denies Claim That Army Deployed Firearms to Disperse Protesters Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- The Iraqi human rights group claimed earlier in the day that at least six people were killed during a crackdown on demonstrations in the centre of the Iraqi capital Baghdad on Saturday and that law enforcement forces actively used tear gas and live bullets to disperse protests.
Iraq: At Least Six Demonstrators Reportedly Killed, Over 100 Wounded as Protests Rage in Baghdad Sputnik 09 Nov 2019 -- The news comes as Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi admitted "mistakes" in governing and promised a set of political steps, including electoral reforms, in a push to end the deadly demonstrations that have been rocking the country for months.
17 rockets land near Iraqi airbase housing US forces Press TV 08 Nov 2019 -- A barrage of 17 rockets have come down near an Iraqi airbase housing American forces in the Arab country's north, causing some material damage but no casualties.
Iraqi security forces must keep peace amid protests, top Shia cleric says Press TV 08 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's most prominent Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has called on security forces to avoid using excessive force in the wake of anti-government protests that have entered their third week.
Iraqi Military Says Rockets Land Near Base Hosting US Forces - Reports Sputnik 08 Nov 2019 -- In early October, the United States announced the withdrawal of its forces from north-eastern Syria to Iraq. The American pull-out prompted Turkey to launch an operation against US-allied Kurdish forces that it considers terrorists.
At Least 10 Protesters Shot Dead As Iraqi Unrest Shows No Signs Of Abating RFE/RL 08 Nov 2019 -- At least six people have been shot dead by Iraqi security forces in Baghdad and four others were killed in Basra as antigovernment protests showed no signs of easing.
Like Daesh scenario, new US plot for Iraq will face defeat: Iran's Shamkhani Press TV 07 Nov 2019 -- Iran's top security official has denounced plots hatched by the US and its regional partners for the Middle Eastern countries, saying the new "scenario" for Iraq will fail like that of the Daesh terror group.
Iraqi Security Forces Kill at Least 4 Protesters, Break Up Sit-In Rally in Basra - Report Sputnik 07 Nov 2019 -- Nationwide protests in Iraq erupted in October and have since escalated. People are demanding the government's dismissal, as well as economic reforms, better living conditions, social welfare and an end to corruption.
Iraq imports over quarter of its electricity from Iran: Official Press TV 06 Nov 2019 -- An Iraqi official has said that the Arab country heavily relies on Iran for its electricity needs, saying more than a quarter of power needed in the country is imported from Iran.
Iraqi Government Must 'Engage' with Protestors, US Embassy Says VOA 06 Nov 2019 -- The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad called on Iraqi leaders Wednesday to "engage" with participants in the country's largest anti-government protests in decades.
Iraqi officials order to lift curfew in Baghdad despite ongoing anti-govt. protests Press TV 06 Nov 2019 -- Iraqi security officials have ordered to lift the curfew in the capital Baghdad, despite ongoing demonstrations against political parties that control the government.
Iraqi army bans gatherings outside Baghdad's Tahrir square as anti-govt. protests continue Press TV 05 Nov 2019 -- The Iraqi army has warned that its forces will move in to break up any gathering outside Baghdad's Tahrir Square, emphasizing its determination to put an end to chaos in the streets, which have been the scene of anti-government protests for several weeks.
Iraq's PM urges end to street protests, says unrest hurting economy Press TV 04 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has called for an end to street protests, saying that they are paralyzing the country and costing the economy "billions of dollars."
Security Forces Shoot At Baghdad Protesters, Several Killed In Karbala RFE/RL 04 Nov 2019 -- Security forces opened fire on an anti-government protest in Baghdad on November 4, hours after four demonstrators were shot dead outside the Iranian Consulate in the holy city of Karbala.
5 Protesters Shot Dead in Baghdad VOA 04 Nov 2019 -- At least five people were killed when Iraqi security forces used live ammunition against protesters in Baghdad, police and hospital officials said Monday.
Demonstrations Are Gaining Momentum in Iraq, Offices and Roads Blocked Sputnik 04 Nov 2019 -- Protests in Iraq started last month when people took to the streets calling for the resignation of the government, the implementation of economic reforms and the elimination of corruption. They soon turned violent, leaving dozens dead and hundreds more injured.
US troops back at military bases in northeast Syria Press TV 03 Nov 2019 -- US troops are reportedly back in military bases in northeastern Syria which they had previously evacuated ahead of Turkey's military action against Kurdish forces in the area.
US Military Convoy Comes Under Fire en Route From Syria to Iraq - Russian Defence Ministry Sputnik 03 Nov 2019 -- Commenting on this development, the Russian Center for Syrian Reconciliation also reported that no US servicemen were injured during the attack.
Iraqis rally to reaffirm commitment to religious leadership's stand on calm Press TV 03 Nov 2019 -- People have held rallies in various Iraqi cities to support the position of top clerical leadership, especially Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, that any protests in the country should be invariably peaceful.
Iraqi PM urges safety of protesters as unrest continues Press TV 03 Nov 2019 -- The situation in Iraq remains tense. Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has gathered the country's security chiefs for a meeting, and called for measures to ensure the safety of protesters amid an ongoing wave of anti-government demonstrations.
Anti-government Protests Escalate in Iraq VOA 03 Nov 2019 -- Anti-government protesters in Baghdad shut down roads and government offices in the Iraqi capital on Sunday, escalating a month-long string of rallies demanding political change.
Pompeo Says Iraq Must Listen To Protesters As Demonstrations Grow RFE/RL 02 Nov 2019 -- U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Iraq's government "should listen to the legitimate demands" of the Iraqi people as anti-government protests continued in Baghdad and a major port city.
One Person Killed, 91 Others Injured in Baghdad Protests - Iraqi Security, Medical Sources Sputnik 02 Nov 2019 -- Earlier this week, Iraqi President Barham Salih announced that Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi agreed to resign on condition that the parties agree on his successor.
Iraq's top Shia cleric urges end of bloodshed, warns of civil war Press TV 01 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's top Shia cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has urged the end of bloodshed in the Arab country, warning of a civil war and chaos after dozens of deaths during the recent wave of protest rallies across Iraq.
Situation in Iraq US Dept. of State 01 Nov 2019 -- Iraq's top Shia cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani has urged the end of bloodshed in the Arab country, warning of a civil war and chaos after dozens of deaths during the recent wave of protest rallies across Iraq.
Tens of Thousands of Iraqis Turn Out for Largest Day of Protests VOA 01 Nov 2019 -- Tens of thousands of Iraqis have gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square in the largest anti-government demonstration since protests began a month ago.
U.S. Envoy Says Iran Has Spent $16 Billion To Fund Militias In Syria, Iraq RFE/RL 01 01 2019 -- Brian Hook, the U.S. special envoy for Iran, says Tehran has spent some $16 billion to fund Shi'ite-led militias in Syria and Iraq.
US State Department Accuses Iran of Spending $ 1 billion to Support Groups Loyal to It SPA 01 Nov 2019 -- Iran has spent about $ 1 billion to support groups linked to it, the US Department of State said.

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November 2019 - Iraq Special Weapons News