Iraq

Belarus proposes new nuclear plant to supply energy to Russian-occupied Ukraine<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2025//09//26//brussels-pitches-140-billion-loan-to-ukraine-based-on-russias-frozen-assets/">Brussels pitches \u20ac140 billion loan for Ukraine using Russia's frozen assets<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Kim Jong-un had sent troops to Russia under a mutual defence treaty that both countries ratified in late 2024, North Korea's Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers' Party said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThey who fought for justice are all heroes and representatives of the honour of the motherland,\u201d Kim said, according to the statement sent to state media.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1759147760,"updatedAt":1759149782,"publishedAt":1759149754,"firstPublishedAt":1759149754,"lastPublishedAt":1759149754,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/48\/82\/14\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_63141c9f-fbcb-513e-b9d2-38a3bc6d012a-9488214.jpg","altText":"A Russian army soldier fires a Fagot anti-tank missile system toward Ukrainian position at an undisclosed location, 26 March, 2024","caption":"A Russian army soldier fires a Fagot anti-tank missile system toward Ukrainian position at an undisclosed location, 26 March, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1125},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/48\/71\/52\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d49384c4-b3ee-56ec-91ec-718ba85e55f8-9487152.jpg","altText":"Rescue workers extinguish a fire of a house destroyed by a Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia, 28 September, 2025","caption":"Rescue workers extinguish a fire of a house destroyed by a Russian strike in Zaporizhzhia, 28 September, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":2972,"urlSafeValue":"blackburn","title":"Gavin Blackburn","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":288,"slug":"ukraine","urlSafeValue":"ukraine","title":"Ukraine","titleRaw":"Ukraine"},{"id":26692,"slug":"war-in-ukraine","urlSafeValue":"war-in-ukraine","title":"War in Ukraine","titleRaw":"War in Ukraine"},{"id":26698,"slug":"russia-ukraine-invasion","urlSafeValue":"russia-ukraine-invasion","title":"Russia's invasion of Ukraine","titleRaw":"Russia's invasion of Ukraine"},{"id":239,"slug":"russia","urlSafeValue":"russia","title":"Russia","titleRaw":"Russia"},{"id":366,"slug":"north-korea","urlSafeValue":"north-korea","title":"North Korea","titleRaw":"North Korea"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2834946},{"id":2845210}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"AP","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":{"id":3904,"urlSafeValue":"baghdad","title":"Baghdad"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/09\/29\/iraqi-man-sentenced-to-life-over-recruiting-fighters-for-russia-against-ukraine","lastModified":1759149754},{"id":2832303,"cid":9473273,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"FRENCH IS MEMBERS IRAQ","daletPyramidId":2752477,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Accused French Islamic State members sent to Iraq for trial, Syrian officials say","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Accused French IS members sent to Iraq for trial, Syrian officials say","titleListing2":"Accused French Islamic State members held in Syria sent to Iraq for trial, officials say","leadin":"Their transfer happened more than one month ago but had not been previously reported. French officials could not be reached for comment.","summary":"Their transfer happened more than one month ago but had not been previously reported. French officials could not be reached for comment.","keySentence":"","url":"accused-french-islamic-state-members-sent-to-iraq-for-trial-syrian-officials-say","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/09\/18\/accused-french-islamic-state-members-sent-to-iraq-for-trial-syrian-officials-say","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Forty-seven French citizens who had been held in detention in northeast Syria on suspicion of being members of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group have been handed over to Iraq for prosecution, Iraqi security officials said.\n\nThree Iraqi security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly said on Thursday that the French prisoners will be tried on terrorism charges.\n\nThey had been held in one of a network of detention centres in northeast Syria housing some 9,000 accused IS members guarded by the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), before they were handed over to Iraq a month and a half ago, the officials said.\n\nTheir transfer had not been previously reported. French officials could not be immediately reached for comment.\n\nIt\u2019s not the first time French citizens accused of being IS militants have been sent from Syria to Iraq for trial.\n\nIn 2019, 13 suspected French militants were transferred to Iraq from Syria for trial. Thousands of Iraqi citizens detained in Syria have also been extradited for trial.\n\nIn total, the Iraqi officials said, 3,192 inmates have been handed over to Iraq by the SDF, of whom 724 were sentenced to death and 1,381 to life imprisonment.\n\nThe question of the fate of the detention centres in northeast Syria \u2014 as well as that of the al-Hol and al-Roj camps that house tens of thousands of people with alleged ties to IS, most of them wives and children of militants \u2014 has loomed large since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December.\n\nUnder a deal signed between the SDF and the new authorities in Damascus in March, the SDF is supposed to eventually turn over management of the camps and detention centres to Damascus, but progress on implementation has been slow.\n\nThe US military has been pushing for years for countries who have citizens at the camps and detention centres to repatriate them.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Forty-seven French citizens who had been held in detention in northeast Syria on suspicion of being members of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group have been handed over to Iraq for prosecution, Iraqi security officials said.<\/p>\n<p>Three Iraqi security officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to comment publicly said on Thursday that the French prisoners will be tried on terrorism charges.<\/p>\n<p>They had been held in one of a network of detention centres in northeast Syria housing some 9,000 accused IS members guarded by the US-backed, Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), before they were handed over to Iraq a month and a half ago, the officials said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.667\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//47//32//73//808x539_cmsv2_0dfb3ebe-2cbf-5f51-9549-7b5e3279fd07-9473273.jpg/" alt=\"A Syrian Democratic Forces fighter stands guard at the al-Hol camp in Syria, 8 May, 2024\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/47\/32\/73\/384x256_cmsv2_0dfb3ebe-2cbf-5f51-9549-7b5e3279fd07-9473273.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/47\/32\/73\/640x427_cmsv2_0dfb3ebe-2cbf-5f51-9549-7b5e3279fd07-9473273.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/47\/32\/73\/750x500_cmsv2_0dfb3ebe-2cbf-5f51-9549-7b5e3279fd07-9473273.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/47\/32\/73\/828x552_cmsv2_0dfb3ebe-2cbf-5f51-9549-7b5e3279fd07-9473273.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/47\/32\/73\/1080x720_cmsv2_0dfb3ebe-2cbf-5f51-9549-7b5e3279fd07-9473273.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/47\/32\/73\/1200x800_cmsv2_0dfb3ebe-2cbf-5f51-9549-7b5e3279fd07-9473273.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/47\/32\/73\/1920x1281_cmsv2_0dfb3ebe-2cbf-5f51-9549-7b5e3279fd07-9473273.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">A Syrian Democratic Forces fighter stands guard at the al-Hol camp in Syria, 8 May, 2024<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Their transfer had not been previously reported. French officials could not be immediately reached for comment.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s not the first time French citizens accused of being IS militants have been sent from Syria to Iraq for trial.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, 13 suspected French militants were transferred to Iraq from Syria for trial. Thousands of Iraqi citizens detained in Syria have also been extradited for trial.<\/p>\n<p>In total, the Iraqi officials said, 3,192 inmates have been handed over to Iraq by the SDF, of whom 724 were sentenced to death and 1,381 to life imprisonment.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"9469770,9466842\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//09//17//dormant-or-resurgent-islamic-state-groups-recent-comeback-explained/">Dormant or resurgent? Islamic State group\u2019s recent comeback, explained<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//09//15//trial-of-three-women-from-same-family-accused-of-joining-islamic-state-opens-in-paris/">Paris special court opens trial for three women accused of joining so-called Islamic State group<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The question of the fate of the detention centres in northeast Syria \u2014 as well as that of the al-Hol and al-Roj camps that house tens of thousands of people with alleged ties to IS, most of them wives and children of militants \u2014 has loomed large since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in a lightning rebel offensive in December.<\/p>\n<p>Under a deal signed between the SDF and the new authorities in Damascus in March, the SDF is supposed to eventually turn over management of the camps and detention centres to Damascus, but progress on implementation has been slow.<\/p>\n<p>The US military has been pushing for years for countries who have citizens at the camps and detention centres to repatriate them.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1758215272,"updatedAt":1758216304,"publishedAt":1758216275,"firstPublishedAt":1758216275,"lastPublishedAt":1758216275,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/47\/32\/73\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fd9b16d5-d27b-5af8-b46c-01d1d91b480c-9473273.jpg","altText":"Family members of suspected Islamic State group fighters walk at al-Hol camp in Syria, 8 May, 2024","caption":"Family members of suspected Islamic State group fighters walk at al-Hol camp in Syria, 8 May, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1620,"height":911},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/47\/32\/73\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0dfb3ebe-2cbf-5f51-9549-7b5e3279fd07-9473273.jpg","altText":"A Syrian Democratic Forces fighter stands guard at the al-Hol camp in Syria, 8 May, 2024","caption":"A Syrian Democratic Forces fighter stands guard at the al-Hol camp in Syria, 8 May, 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1334}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":2972,"urlSafeValue":"blackburn","title":"Gavin Blackburn","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":8155,"slug":"syria","urlSafeValue":"syria","title":"Syria","titleRaw":"Syria"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":117,"slug":"france","urlSafeValue":"france","title":"France","titleRaw":"France"},{"id":11808,"slug":"islamic-state-jihadist-group","urlSafeValue":"islamic-state-jihadist-group","title":"Islamic State Jihadist Group","titleRaw":"Islamic State Jihadist Group"},{"id":274,"slug":"terrorism","urlSafeValue":"terrorism","title":"Terrorism","titleRaw":"Terrorism"},{"id":16354,"slug":"sdf","urlSafeValue":"sdf","title":"SDF","titleRaw":"SDF"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2814366},{"id":2840400}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"AP","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":{"id":3904,"urlSafeValue":"baghdad","title":"Baghdad"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/09\/18\/accused-french-islamic-state-members-sent-to-iraq-for-trial-syrian-officials-say","lastModified":1758216275},{"id":2827844,"cid":9445370,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"IRAQ MOSUL MOSQUE RECONSTRUCTION ISIS","daletPyramidId":2585926,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Iraq's al-Nouri Mosque officially reopens eight years after being destroyed by ISIS","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Iraq's al-Nouri Mosque reopens eight years after ISIS destroyed it","titleListing2":"Iraq's al-Nouri Mosque officially reopens eight years after being destroyed by ISIS","leadin":"The so-called Islamic State group detonated explosives at the 12th-century Mosul landmark in 2017.","summary":"The so-called Islamic State group detonated explosives at the 12th-century Mosul landmark in 2017.","keySentence":"","url":"iraqs-al-nouri-mosque-officially-reopens-eight-years-after-being-destroyed-by-isis","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/09\/01\/iraqs-al-nouri-mosque-officially-reopens-eight-years-after-being-destroyed-by-isis","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Iraq has formally reopened the historic al-Nouri Grand Mosque in the northern city of Mosul, eight years after it was destroyed with explosives by the so-called Islamic State (IS) group. \n\nBuilt in the second half of the 12th century, the mosque stood as an iconic landmark for around 850 years.\n\nIS detonated explosives inside the building in 2017 as it struggled to retain control of the city in its battle with Iraqi military forces. \n\nIraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said that the building's reconstruction \"will remain a milestone, reminding all enemies of the heroism of Iraqis, their defence of their land, and their rebuilding of everything destroyed by those who want to obscure the truth.\" \n\n\"We will continue our support for culture and efforts to highlight Iraqi antiquities as a social necessity, a gateway to our country for the world, an opportunity for sustainable development and a space for youth to innovate,\" he added.\n\nThe mosque had been the site where IS announced its self-declared caliphate to the world in 2014. \n\nFollowing the liberation of Mosul eight years ago, UNESCO, the UN's cultural agency, worked alongside Iraqi heritage and religious authorities to rebuild the site. \n\nThe reconstruction project raised $115 million (\u20ac98.2 million), with significant contributions coming from the EU and the United Arab Emirates. \n\nSpeaking of the restoration efforts, UNESCO said it was \"not only an architectural challenge,\" but also \"a symbolic act of revival.\" \n\nThe first phase of the project started in autumn 2018, when the site was demined and dangerous materials were removed. \n\nRubble was also sifted to find valuable fragments that could be preserved and used during the reconstruction work. \n\nAn Egyptian team won an international competition to design the mosque. \n\nThey showed the Iraqi public their design in May 2022, two years after a survey found that 70% of locals wanted the Al-Nouri prayer hall's essential features to be rebuilt, but some improvements to be added. \n\nDuring preparatory work, four rooms dating from the 12th century, which are thought to have been used for ablutions, were discovered under the mosque's floor. They were then incorporated into the redesign. \n\nThe restoration project also rebuilt war-damaged churches in Mosul, as the city attempts to preserve the heritage of its dwindling Christian population. \n\nFollowing IS' brutal rule over Mosul, only 20 Christian families remain as permanent residents in the city, down from a population of around 50,000 in 2003. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Iraq has formally reopened the historic al-Nouri Grand Mosque in the northern city of Mosul, eight years after it was destroyed with explosives by the so-called Islamic State (IS) group. <\/p>\n<p>Built in the second half of the 12th century, the mosque stood as an iconic landmark for around 850 years.<\/p>\n<p>IS detonated explosives inside the building in 2017 as it struggled to retain control of the city in its battle with Iraqi military forces. <\/p>\n<p>Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said that the building's reconstruction \"will remain a milestone, reminding all enemies of the heroism of Iraqis, their defence of their land, and their rebuilding of everything destroyed by those who want to obscure the truth.\" <\/p>\n<p>\"We will continue our support for culture and efforts to highlight Iraqi antiquities as a social necessity, a gateway to our country for the world, an opportunity for sustainable development and a space for youth to innovate,\" he added.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//44//53//70//808x539_cmsv2_95718a49-21f1-51a4-b4ae-ea51fe08d79a-9445370.jpg/" alt=\"Fleeing Iraqi civilians walk past the heavily damaged al-Nouri mosque as Iraqi forces continue their advance against IS militants in Mosul, 4 July, 2017\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/384x256_cmsv2_95718a49-21f1-51a4-b4ae-ea51fe08d79a-9445370.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/640x427_cmsv2_95718a49-21f1-51a4-b4ae-ea51fe08d79a-9445370.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/750x500_cmsv2_95718a49-21f1-51a4-b4ae-ea51fe08d79a-9445370.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/828x552_cmsv2_95718a49-21f1-51a4-b4ae-ea51fe08d79a-9445370.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/1080x720_cmsv2_95718a49-21f1-51a4-b4ae-ea51fe08d79a-9445370.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/1200x800_cmsv2_95718a49-21f1-51a4-b4ae-ea51fe08d79a-9445370.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/1920x1280_cmsv2_95718a49-21f1-51a4-b4ae-ea51fe08d79a-9445370.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Fleeing Iraqi civilians walk past the heavily damaged al-Nouri mosque as Iraqi forces continue their advance against IS militants in Mosul, 4 July, 2017<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The mosque had been the site where IS announced its self-declared caliphate to the world in 2014. <\/p>\n<p>Following the liberation of Mosul eight years ago, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.unesco.org//en//revive-mosul/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">UNESCO<\/a>, the UN's cultural agency, worked alongside Iraqi heritage and religious authorities to rebuild the site. <\/p>\n<p>The reconstruction project raised $115 million (\u20ac98.2 million), with significant contributions coming from the EU and the United Arab Emirates. <\/p>\n<p>Speaking of the restoration efforts, UNESCO said it was \"not only an architectural challenge,\" but also \"a symbolic act of revival.\" <\/p>\n<p>The first phase of the project started in autumn 2018, when the site was demined and dangerous materials were removed. <\/p>\n<p>Rubble was also sifted to find valuable fragments that could be preserved and used during the reconstruction work. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"9426822,9378710\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//08//19//iraq-says-tip-off-to-lebanon-led-to-destruction-of-amphetamine-factory/">Iraq says tip-off to Lebanon led to destruction of captagon factory<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//07//18//officials-in-iraq-struggle-to-identify-18-bodies-from-shopping-centre-fire-that-reportedly/">Officials in Iraq struggle to identify 18 bodies from shopping centre fire that reportedly killed 63<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>An Egyptian team won an international competition to design the mosque. <\/p>\n<p>They showed the Iraqi public their design in May 2022, two years after a survey found that 70% of locals wanted the Al-Nouri prayer hall's essential features to be rebuilt, but some improvements to be added. <\/p>\n<p>During preparatory work, four rooms dating from the 12th century, which are thought to have been used for ablutions, were discovered under the mosque's floor. They were then incorporated into the redesign. <\/p>\n<p>The restoration project also rebuilt war-damaged churches in Mosul, as the city attempts to preserve the heritage of its dwindling Christian population. <\/p>\n<p>Following IS' brutal rule over Mosul, only 20 Christian families remain as permanent residents in the city, down from a population of around 50,000 in 2003. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1756737940,"updatedAt":1756739673,"publishedAt":1756739647,"firstPublishedAt":1756739647,"lastPublishedAt":1756739647,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b860af68-73af-5f4c-8b25-bbbb16b7040d-9445370.jpg","altText":"Preparations are underway ahead of the visit of Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to al-Nouri Mosque in Mosul, 31 August, 2025","caption":"Preparations are underway ahead of the visit of Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to al-Nouri Mosque in Mosul, 31 August, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1743,"height":980},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_95718a49-21f1-51a4-b4ae-ea51fe08d79a-9445370.jpg","altText":"Fleeing Iraqi civilians walk past the heavily damaged al-Nuri mosque as Iraqi forces continue their advance against IS militants in Mosul, 4 July, 2017","caption":"Fleeing Iraqi civilians walk past the heavily damaged al-Nuri mosque as Iraqi forces continue their advance against IS militants in Mosul, 4 July, 2017","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/44\/53\/70\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_241f5bf8-bf62-5b33-8cfa-3c3b48c8100b-9445370.jpg","altText":"An Iraqi walks in the street with the leaning minaret in the background ahead of a visit of Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to al-Nuri Mosque, 31 August, 2025","caption":"An Iraqi walks in the street with the leaning minaret in the background ahead of a visit of Iraqi prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani to al-Nuri Mosque, 31 August, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1307}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3272,"urlSafeValue":"sullivan","title":"Rory Sullivan","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":11808,"slug":"islamic-state-jihadist-group","urlSafeValue":"islamic-state-jihadist-group","title":"Islamic State Jihadist Group","titleRaw":"Islamic State Jihadist Group"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":3898,"slug":"mosul","urlSafeValue":"mosul","title":"Mosul","titleRaw":"Mosul"},{"id":14224,"slug":"reconstruction","urlSafeValue":"reconstruction","title":"reconstruction","titleRaw":"reconstruction"},{"id":8057,"slug":"unesco","urlSafeValue":"unesco","title":"UNESCO","titleRaw":"UNESCO"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2838325},{"id":2842738},{"id":2845210}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"AP","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84121001"],"slugs":["news"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/09\/01\/iraqs-al-nouri-mosque-officially-reopens-eight-years-after-being-destroyed-by-isis","lastModified":1756739647},{"id":2817007,"cid":9378710,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"IRAQ MALL FIRE BODIES ID","daletPyramidId":2168497,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Officials in Iraq struggle to identify 18 bodies from shopping centre fire that reportedly killed 63","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Iraqi officials try to identify 18 bodies from shopping centre fire","titleListing2":"Officials in Iraq struggle to identify 18 bodies from shopping centre fire that reportedly killed 63","leadin":"While the cause of Wednesday's blaze has not yet been determined, officials blamed lack of safety standards in the building for the scale of the tragedy.","summary":"While the cause of Wednesday's blaze has not yet been determined, officials blamed lack of safety standards in the building for the scale of the tragedy.","keySentence":"","url":"officials-in-iraq-struggle-to-identify-18-bodies-from-shopping-centre-fire-that-reportedly","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/07\/18\/officials-in-iraq-struggle-to-identify-18-bodies-from-shopping-centre-fire-that-reportedly","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Officials in Iraq have been struggling on Friday to identify more than a dozen bodies pulled from a deadly fire in a shopping centre, as investigations continue to determine the cause of the blaze.\n\nAn Iraqi medical official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the final death toll from Wednesday\u2019s fire was 63, including 18 bodies that could not be identified due to the severity of the burns and would undergo DNA testing.\n\nThe Corniche Hypermarket centre in the town of Kut in Wasit province, a five-story building containing restaurants, shops and a supermarket, had opened just days before the blaze, which officials said broke out on the second floor in an area selling perfume and cosmetics.\n\nCivil defence crews were able to rescue 45 people from the burning building. Officials said that most of those who died were trapped on the upper floors.\n\nWhile the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, officials blamed a lack of safety standards in the building for the scale of the tragedy.\n\nProvincial Governor Mohammed al-Miyahi stated that the building owner had failed to implement fire safety measures and had not obtained the required permits.\n\nThe provincial council of Wasit voted on Thursday to form committees to conduct building safety inspections and to suspend the directors of the Kut municipality and occupational safety until investigations into the fire are complete.\n\nAl-Miyahi said on Thursday that legal complaints had been filed against the building owner and shopping centre owner, who could not be reached for comment.\n\nThe governor said at a press conference that the son of the centre owner and other members of his family were among the victims.\n\nPoor building standards have often contributed to tragic fires in Iraq.\n\nIn July 2021, a blaze at a hospital in the city of Nasiriyah that killed between 60 and 92 people was determined to have been fuelled by highly flammable, low-cost type of \"sandwich panel\" cladding that is illegal in Iraq.\n\nIn 2023, more than 100 people died in a fire at a wedding hall in Hamdaniya, Nineveh province, after the ceiling panels above a pyrotechnic machine burst into flames.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Officials in Iraq have been struggling on Friday to identify more than a dozen bodies pulled from a deadly fire in a shopping centre, as investigations continue to determine the cause of the blaze.<\/p>\n<p>An Iraqi medical official who spoke on condition of anonymity said the final death toll from Wednesday\u2019s fire was 63, including 18 bodies that could not be identified due to the severity of the burns and would undergo DNA testing.<\/p>\n<p>The Corniche Hypermarket centre in the town of Kut in Wasit province, a five-story building containing restaurants, shops and a supermarket, had opened just days before the blaze, which officials said broke out on the second floor in an area selling perfume and cosmetics.<\/p>\n<p>Civil defence crews were able to rescue 45 people from the burning building. Officials said that most of those who died were trapped on the upper floors.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6665\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//37//87//10//808x539_cmsv2_edd33303-15ee-504a-a909-bae0606399e0-9378710.jpg/" alt=\"Iraqi security forces gather in front of the Corniche Hypermarket building in Kut, 17 July, 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/87\/10\/384x256_cmsv2_edd33303-15ee-504a-a909-bae0606399e0-9378710.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/87\/10\/640x427_cmsv2_edd33303-15ee-504a-a909-bae0606399e0-9378710.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/87\/10\/750x500_cmsv2_edd33303-15ee-504a-a909-bae0606399e0-9378710.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/87\/10\/828x552_cmsv2_edd33303-15ee-504a-a909-bae0606399e0-9378710.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/87\/10\/1080x720_cmsv2_edd33303-15ee-504a-a909-bae0606399e0-9378710.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/87\/10\/1200x800_cmsv2_edd33303-15ee-504a-a909-bae0606399e0-9378710.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/87\/10\/1920x1280_cmsv2_edd33303-15ee-504a-a909-bae0606399e0-9378710.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Iraqi security forces gather in front of the Corniche Hypermarket building in Kut, 17 July, 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">AP Photo<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>While the cause of the fire has not yet been determined, officials blamed a lack of safety standards in the building for the scale of the tragedy.<\/p>\n<p>Provincial Governor Mohammed al-Miyahi stated that the building owner had failed to implement fire safety measures and had not obtained the required permits.<\/p>\n<p>The provincial council of Wasit voted on Thursday to form committees to conduct building safety inspections and to suspend the directors of the Kut municipality and occupational safety until investigations into the fire are complete.<\/p>\n<p>Al-Miyahi said on Thursday that legal complaints had been filed against the building owner and shopping centre owner, who could not be reached for comment.<\/p>\n<p>The governor said at a press conference that the son of the centre owner and other members of his family were among the victims.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"9376631,9375915\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//07//17//newly-opened-mall-in-iraq-destroyed-by-fire-killing-dozens/">Newly opened mall in Iraq destroyed by fire, killing dozens<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//07//17//fire-at-iraqi-shopping-centre-kills-more-than-60-and-injures-dozens/">Fire at Iraqi shopping centre kills more than 60 and injures dozens<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Poor building standards have often contributed to tragic fires in Iraq.<\/p>\n<p>In July 2021, a blaze at a hospital in the city of Nasiriyah that killed between 60 and 92 people was determined to have been fuelled by highly flammable, low-cost type of \"sandwich panel\" cladding that is illegal in Iraq.<\/p>\n<p>In 2023, more than 100 people died in a fire at a wedding hall in Hamdaniya, Nineveh province, after the ceiling panels above a pyrotechnic machine burst into flames.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1752841529,"updatedAt":1752860443,"publishedAt":1752844945,"firstPublishedAt":1752844945,"lastPublishedAt":1752844945,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/87\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_da4bc60d-43a0-51ca-bcd8-97cf9f146af5-9378710.jpg","altText":"An Iraqi security guard stands in front of a mall that caught fire in Kut, 17 July, 2025","caption":"An Iraqi security guard stands in front of a mall that caught fire in Kut, 17 July, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1125},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/87\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_edd33303-15ee-504a-a909-bae0606399e0-9378710.jpg","altText":"Iraqi security forces gather in front of the Corniche Hypermarket building in Kut, 17 July, 2025","caption":"Iraqi security forces gather in front of the Corniche Hypermarket building in Kut, 17 July, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3467,"urlSafeValue":"gavin.blackburn@euronews.com","title":"Gavin Blackburn","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":10375,"slug":"fire","urlSafeValue":"fire","title":"Fire","titleRaw":"Fire"},{"id":27790,"slug":"safety","urlSafeValue":"safety","title":"Safety","titleRaw":"Safety"},{"id":23304,"slug":"shopping-mall","urlSafeValue":"shopping-mall","title":"shopping mall","titleRaw":"shopping mall"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2816461},{"id":2815363},{"id":2811542}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"AP","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84121001"],"slugs":["news"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/07\/18\/officials-in-iraq-struggle-to-identify-18-bodies-from-shopping-centre-fire-that-reportedly","lastModified":1752844945},{"id":2816805,"cid":9376631,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NC4 IRAQ FIRE AFTERMATH","daletPyramidId":2154619,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Newly opened mall in Iraq destroyed by fire, killing dozens","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Newly opened mall in Iraq destroyed by fire, killing dozens","titleListing2":"Newly opened mall in Iraq destroyed by fire, killing dozens","leadin":"A massive fire at a newly opened shopping mall in Kut, Iraq, has killed dozens, with many suffocating inside, as authorities launch an investigation and declare three days of mourning.","summary":"A massive fire at a newly opened shopping mall in Kut, Iraq, has killed dozens, with many suffocating inside, as authorities launch an investigation and declare three days of mourning.","keySentence":"","url":"newly-opened-mall-in-iraq-destroyed-by-fire-killing-dozens","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/07\/17\/newly-opened-mall-in-iraq-destroyed-by-fire-killing-dozens","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A devastating fire that tore through a five-storey shopping centre in the Iraqi city of Kut has killed at least 61 people, including women and children, officials say.\n\nThe blaze broke out late Wednesday at the Corniche Hypermarket, just a week after its opening. Most victims reportedly died from suffocation, and some bodies remain unidentified.\n\nFirefighters rescued more than 45 people, some from the mall\u2019s roof, as flames tore through the building, which housed a supermarket and restaurant.\n\nThe cause of the fire is under investigation, and legal cases have been filed against the mall and building owners.\n\nIraq\u2019s Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani has ordered an inquiry, while the provincial governor has declared three days of mourning.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>A devastating fire that tore through a five-storey shopping centre in the Iraqi city of Kut has killed at least 61 people, including women and children, officials say.<\/p>\n<p>The blaze broke out late Wednesday at the Corniche Hypermarket, just a week after its opening. Most victims reportedly died from suffocation, and some bodies remain unidentified.<\/p>\n<p>Firefighters rescued more than 45 people, some from the mall\u2019s roof, as flames tore through the building, which housed a supermarket and restaurant.<\/p>\n<p>The cause of the fire is under investigation, and legal cases have been filed against the mall and building owners.<\/p>\n<p>Iraq\u2019s Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani has ordered an inquiry, while the provincial governor has declared three days of mourning.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1752748729,"updatedAt":1752750687,"publishedAt":1752750577,"firstPublishedAt":1752750577,"lastPublishedAt":1752750577,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/66\/31\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_96651b95-df10-5229-8880-9bcb610921b4-9376631.jpg","altText":"Firefighters gather in front of a burning hypermarket building in Kut, Iraq","caption":"Firefighters gather in front of a burning hypermarket building in Kut, Iraq","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":10375,"slug":"fire","urlSafeValue":"fire","title":"Fire","titleRaw":"Fire"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2816713},{"id":2816461},{"id":2808224}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"rn5h2tyf4YA","dailymotionId":"x9n2sp6"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/20\/17\/70\/04\/ED_PYR_2017704_20250717104241.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":12370968,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/20\/17\/70\/04\/SHD_PYR_2017704_20250717104241.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":17357359,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/20\/17\/70\/04\/FHD_PYR_2017704_20250717104241.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":48670424,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"No Comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84121001"],"slugs":["news"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/video\/2025\/07\/17\/newly-opened-mall-in-iraq-destroyed-by-fire-killing-dozens","lastModified":1752750577},{"id":2816713,"cid":9375915,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"iraq mall","daletPyramidId":2151138,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Fire at Iraqi shopping centre kills more than 60 and injures dozens","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Fire at Iraqi shopping centre kills more than 60 and injures dozens","titleListing2":"Fire at Iraqi shopping centre kills more than 60 and injures dozens","leadin":"Over 60 people died and dozens were injured in a shopping centre blaze in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut. An investigation and legal actions are in progress.","summary":"Over 60 people died and dozens were injured in a shopping centre blaze in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut. An investigation and legal actions are in progress.","keySentence":"","url":"fire-at-iraqi-shopping-centre-kills-more-than-60-and-injures-dozens","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/07\/17\/fire-at-iraqi-shopping-centre-kills-more-than-60-and-injures-dozens","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A fire that tore through a shopping centre in the Iraqi city of Kut has left more than 60 people dead and dozens injured, Iraqi officials said on Thursday.\n\nIraq's Ministry of Interior said in a statement that 61 people died, most of them from suffocation. Fourteen remain unidentified among the dead, it said.\n\nCivil defence teams were able to rescue more than 45 people who were trapped inside the building, the statement said.\n\nThe shopping centre, which had opened only a week earlier, was in a five-story building that also contained a restaurant and supermarket.\n\nThe state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that people remained missing. Photographs and videos on local media showed the building fully engulfed in flames.\n\nThree days of national mourning have been declared for the victims, and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire. The results of the probe are expected within two days.\n\nLegal cases were filed against the building and shopping centre owners, Provincial Governor Mohammed al-Mayyeh said in a statement. He did not specify what the charges were.\n\n\"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,\" al-Mayyeh said.\n\nThe results of the preliminary investigation will be released within 48 hours, he said.\n\nIraqi 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.\n\nPoor 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 and 92 people was determined to have been fueled by a highly flammable, low-cost type of \"sandwich panel\" cladding that is illegal in Iraq.\n\nIn 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.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>A fire that tore through a shopping centre in the Iraqi city of Kut has left more than 60 people dead and dozens injured, Iraqi officials said on Thursday.<\/p>\n<p>Iraq's Ministry of Interior said in a statement that 61 people died, most of them from suffocation. Fourteen remain unidentified among the dead, it said.<\/p>\n<p>Civil defence teams were able to rescue more than 45 people who were trapped inside the building, the statement said.<\/p>\n<p>The shopping centre, which had opened only a week earlier, was in a five-story building that also contained a restaurant and supermarket.<\/p>\n<p>The state-run Iraqi News Agency reported that people remained missing. Photographs and videos on local media showed the building fully engulfed in flames.<\/p>\n<p>Three days of national mourning have been declared for the victims, and an investigation has been launched into the cause of the fire. The results of the probe are expected within two days.<\/p>\n<p>Legal cases were filed against the building and shopping centre owners, Provincial Governor Mohammed al-Mayyeh said in a statement. He did not specify what the charges were.<\/p>\n<p>\"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,\" al-Mayyeh said.<\/p>\n<p>The results of the preliminary investigation will be released within 48 hours, he said.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n<p>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 and 92 people was determined to have been fueled by a highly flammable, low-cost type of \"sandwich panel\" cladding that is illegal in Iraq.<\/p>\n<p>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.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1752732215,"updatedAt":1752740583,"publishedAt":1752740579,"firstPublishedAt":1752740579,"lastPublishedAt":1752740579,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/59\/15\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2a3fa307-ea60-57c5-99cb-a56caa8896b2-9375915.jpg","altText":"FILE: Iraqi security forces and firemen gather as smoke rises from a fire in Baghdad, 10 June 2018","caption":"FILE: Iraqi security forces and firemen gather as smoke rises from a fire in Baghdad, 10 June 2018","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1354,"height":761}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":11940,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"news","titleRaw":"news"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":7902,"slug":"fires","urlSafeValue":"fires","title":"Fires","titleRaw":"Fires"},{"id":23304,"slug":"shopping-mall","urlSafeValue":"shopping-mall","title":"shopping mall","titleRaw":"shopping mall"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2815363},{"id":2814327},{"id":2816805}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84121001"],"slugs":["news"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"en","storyId":9375915,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/07\/17\/fire-at-iraqi-shopping-centre-kills-more-than-60-and-injures-dozens","lastModified":1752740579},{"id":2816461,"cid":9374513,"versionId":4,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Drone Attacks Hit Three Oil Fields In Northern Iraq","daletPyramidId":2142102,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Three oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan hit by drone strikes as recent spate of attacks continues","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Drone attacks salvo strikes multiple oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan","titleListing2":"String of drone attacks strike multiple oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan","leadin":"Three oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan were targeted by explosive drones on Wednesday, causing material damage without casualties.","summary":"Three oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan were targeted by explosive drones on Wednesday, causing material damage without casualties.","keySentence":"","url":"three-oil-fields-in-iraqi-kurdistan-hit-by-drone-strikes-as-recent-spate-of-attacks-contin","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/07\/16\/three-oil-fields-in-iraqi-kurdistan-hit-by-drone-strikes-as-recent-spate-of-attacks-contin","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Fresh drone strikes have struck three of Iraq's oil fields on Wednesday, in what has become a string of UAV and missile attacks across the Middle Eastern country's Kurdistan region.\n\nThe Iraqi Kurdistan counter-terrorism forces said that within 15 minutes at 6 am local time (5 am CEST) on Wednesday, two explosive drones struck the oil field in Pishkhabur in the Zakho region operated by the Norwegian oil and gas company DNO.\n\nAt 7 am, another explosive drone also struck an oil field in Tauke in the same area operated by DNO, according to authorities.\n\nThe attacks caused no loss of life and only material damage. \n\nIraqi authorities further said that at 7:14 am, an explosive drone struck an oil field managed by the US company Handlowy in Duhok province, with no casualties or material damage.\n\nNo group has claimed responsibility for any of the attacks.\n\nThe attacks came at a time when tensions between the capital Baghdad and the regional capital of Erbil have escalated over oil exports, while a major pipeline to Turkey has remained closed since 2023 due to legal disputes and technical issues.\n\nDrone strikes on oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan on Wednesday raised to five the number of oil fields in the region targeted over the past week.\n\nOn Tuesday, an explosive drone targeted the Sarseng oil field in Dhok province, run by US company HKN Energy. The strike occurred just hours before the signing of a contract to develop another oil field by the same firm.\n\nOn Monday, there were also reports of the downing of an explosive drone of unidentified origin near Erbil International Airport, which is home to US-led coalition forces. \n\nThe Iraqi Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism Service also said that two drones hit the Khormullah oil field on Monday evening, causing material damage.\n\nIraqi Kurdistan, which is attempting to boost its image as a relatively stable region in the country mired by instability, is seeking to attract foreign investors due to its close ties with the US and European countries.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Fresh drone strikes have struck three of Iraq's oil fields on Wednesday, in what has become a string of UAV and missile attacks across the Middle Eastern country's Kurdistan region.<\/p>\n<p>The Iraqi Kurdistan counter-terrorism forces said that within 15 minutes at 6 am local time (5 am CEST) on Wednesday, two explosive drones struck the oil field in Pishkhabur in the Zakho region operated by the Norwegian oil and gas company DNO.<\/p>\n<p>At 7 am, another explosive drone also struck an oil field in Tauke in the same area operated by DNO, according to authorities.<\/p>\n<p>The attacks caused no loss of life and only material damage. <\/p>\n<p>Iraqi authorities further said that at 7:14 am, an explosive drone struck an oil field managed by the US company Handlowy in Duhok province, with no casualties or material damage.<\/p>\n<p>No group has claimed responsibility for any of the attacks.<\/p>\n<p>The attacks came at a time when tensions between the capital Baghdad and the regional capital of Erbil have escalated over oil exports, while a major pipeline to Turkey has remained closed since 2023 due to legal disputes and technical issues.<\/p>\n<p>Drone strikes on oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan on Wednesday raised to five the number of oil fields in the region targeted over the past week.<\/p>\n<p>On Tuesday, an explosive drone targeted the Sarseng oil field in Dhok province, run by US company HKN Energy. The strike occurred just hours before the signing of a contract to develop another oil field by the same firm.<\/p>\n<p>On Monday, there were also reports of the downing of an explosive drone of unidentified origin near Erbil International Airport, which is home to US-led coalition forces. <\/p>\n<p>The Iraqi Kurdistan Counter-Terrorism Service also said that two drones hit the Khormullah oil field on Monday evening, causing material damage.<\/p>\n<p>Iraqi Kurdistan, which is attempting to boost its image as a relatively stable region in the country mired by instability, is seeking to attract foreign investors due to its close ties with the US and European countries.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1752661131,"updatedAt":1752730199,"publishedAt":1752662046,"firstPublishedAt":1752662046,"lastPublishedAt":1752692752,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/37\/45\/13\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_56ac31f0-272a-5d07-ad01-8c8f0b680dfc-9374513.jpg","altText":"This frame grab from a video released by Rudy TV shows black smoke rises following drone attacks on an oil field in the Zakho district, 16 July, 2025","caption":"This frame grab from a video released by Rudy TV shows black smoke rises following drone attacks on an oil field in the Zakho district, 16 July, 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1125}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":12586,"slug":"iraqi-kurdistan","urlSafeValue":"iraqi-kurdistan","title":"Iraqi kurdistan","titleRaw":"Iraqi kurdistan"},{"id":13222,"slug":"oil","urlSafeValue":"oil","title":"Oil","titleRaw":"Oil"},{"id":17690,"slug":"drone","urlSafeValue":"drone","title":"drone","titleRaw":"drone"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2816805},{"id":2816713},{"id":2817007}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews Farsi","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84121001"],"slugs":["news"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":2,"slug":"amazon-translate","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"fa","storyId":9373840,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/07\/16\/three-oil-fields-in-iraqi-kurdistan-hit-by-drone-strikes-as-recent-spate-of-attacks-contin","lastModified":1752692752},{"id":2814327,"cid":9360070,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"TURKEY SOLDIERS CAVE DEATHS","daletPyramidId":2057506,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Methane gas kills 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq cave operation ","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Methane gas kills 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq cave operation ","titleListing2":"Methane gas kills 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq cave operation ","leadin":"The troops had been looking for the remains of a comrade killed by Kurdish militants.","summary":"The troops had been looking for the remains of a comrade killed by Kurdish militants.","keySentence":"","url":"methane-gas-kills-12-turkish-soldiers-in-iraq-cave-operation","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/07\/07\/methane-gas-kills-12-turkish-soldiers-in-iraq-cave-operation","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Twelve Turkish soldiers have died after being exposed to methane gas during a cave search operation in northern Iraq, the country\u2019s Defence Ministry confirmed on Monday.\u00a0\n\nNineteen troops were exposed to the colourless and odourless gas, with five dying on Sunday and a further seven succumbing to its effects the following day. \n\nThe condition of the remaining seven soldiers is not known. \n\nThe troops were on a mission to recover the remains of a comrade killed three years ago by Kurdish militants. \n\nTurkish authorities described the deaths as a \"tragic event\", with the country's Defence Minister Yasar G\u00fcler and senior military officials travelling to northern Iraq to conduct assessments and attend a formal repatriation ceremony.\n\nSpeaking at the event, G\u00fcler praised the victims for their \u201cgreat courage and sacrifice\". \n\n\u201cOur grief is immense and our feelings are beyond words,\" he said. \n\nThe deaths occurred in the mountainous region where the Turkish army began an offensive in April 2022 against the Kurdistan Workers\u2019 Party (PKK), which Ankara and its Western allies deem a terrorist organisation. \n\nThe PKK has been engaged in a four-decade conflict with the Turkish state.\u00a0\n\nThe group announced in May that it would disarm as part of a proposed peace initiative, with fighters expected to begin surrendering their weapons in the coming days, marking the first tangible step towards disarmament.\n\nThe cave, located at an altitude of 852 metres, had reportedly been used by the PKK as a field hospital.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Twelve Turkish soldiers have died after being exposed to methane gas during a cave search operation in northern Iraq, the country\u2019s Defence Ministry confirmed on Monday.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Nineteen troops were exposed to the colourless and odourless gas, with five dying on Sunday and a further seven succumbing to its effects the following day. <\/p>\n<p>The condition of the remaining seven soldiers is not known. <\/p>\n<p>The troops were on a mission to recover the remains of a comrade killed three years ago by Kurdish militants. <\/p>\n<p>Turkish authorities described the deaths as a \"tragic event\", with the country's Defence Minister Yasar G\u00fcler and senior military officials travelling to northern Iraq to conduct assessments and attend a formal repatriation ceremony.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking at the event, G\u00fcler praised the victims for their \u201cgreat courage and sacrifice\". <\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur grief is immense and our feelings are beyond words,\" he said. <\/p>\n<p>The deaths occurred in the mountainous region where the Turkish army began an offensive in April 2022 against the Kurdistan Workers\u2019 Party (PKK), which Ankara and its Western allies deem a terrorist organisation. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"9285116,9279974\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2025//05//13//turkey-monitoring-situation-after-pkk-announces-disbandment-official-says/">Turkey monitoring situation after PKK announces disbandment, official says<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//05//12//kurdish-militant-group-pkk-announces-disbandment-and-end-of-turkey-insurgency/">Kurdish militant group PKK announces disbandment and end of Turkey insurgency<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The PKK has been engaged in a four-decade conflict with the Turkish state.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The group announced in May that it would disarm as part of a proposed peace initiative, with fighters expected to begin surrendering their weapons in the coming days, marking the first tangible step towards disarmament.<\/p>\n<p>The cave, located at an altitude of 852 metres, had reportedly been used by the PKK as a field hospital.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1751900680,"updatedAt":1751903773,"publishedAt":1751903769,"firstPublishedAt":1751903769,"lastPublishedAt":1751903769,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/36\/00\/70\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_cab3433e-ea61-5a19-87e5-cbe735cc765a-9360070.jpg","altText":"FILE - A group of armed Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) enter northern Iraq, 14 May 2013.","caption":"FILE - A group of armed Kurdish fighters from the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) enter northern Iraq, 14 May 2013.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Ceerwan Aziz, File","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3252,"urlSafeValue":"al-yahyai","title":"Oman Al Yahyai","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":10401,"slug":"pkk","urlSafeValue":"pkk","title":"PKK","titleRaw":"PKK"},{"id":24948,"slug":"methane","urlSafeValue":"methane","title":"methane","titleRaw":"methane"},{"id":17156,"slug":"northern-iraq","urlSafeValue":"northern-iraq","title":"Northern Iraq","titleRaw":"Northern Iraq"},{"id":284,"slug":"turkey","urlSafeValue":"turkey","title":"Turkiye (Turkey)","titleRaw":"Turkiye (Turkey)"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":1905112},{"id":1386338},{"id":2816713}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84121001"],"slugs":["news"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/07\/07\/methane-gas-kills-12-turkish-soldiers-in-iraq-cave-operation","lastModified":1751903769},{"id":2801800,"cid":9291244,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NINEVEH MONUMENTAL RELIEF","daletPyramidId":1535584,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Spectacular find: Monumental images of gods discovered at Nineveh in Iraq","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Spectacular find: Monumental images of gods discovered in Nineveh","titleListing2":"Spectacular find: Monumental images of gods discovered in Nineveh","leadin":"2,700 years ago, Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire. Researchers from the University of Heidelberg have made a spectacular discovery in the palace of King Assurbanipal. During excavations, they came across the first large-format depictions of two important Assyrian deities.","summary":"2,700 years ago, Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire. Researchers from the University of Heidelberg have made a spectacular discovery in the palace of King Assurbanipal. During excavations, they came across the first large-format depictions of two important Assyrian deities.","keySentence":"","url":"spectacular-find-monumental-images-of-gods-discovered-in-nineveh","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2025\/05\/18\/spectacular-find-monumental-images-of-gods-discovered-in-nineveh","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"German archaeologists have made a spectacular discovery in Iraq. During excavations in the ancient metropolis of Nineveh, a team from Heidelberg University came across large parts of a monumental relief. It shows King Assurbanipal (668 to 627 BC), the last ruler of the Assyrian Empire, accompanied by two important deities and other figures.\n\nThe relief was unearthed in the throne room of the North Palace. It was carved on a massive stone slab measuring just over five metres in length and three metres in height and weighs around 12 tonnes.\n\nThe find is extraordinary for the scientists not only because of its size, but also in terms of what the relief shows: \"Among the numerous relief depictions of Assyrian palaces known to us, there is no depiction of the great deities,\" emphasises Prof. Dr Aaron Schmitt from the Institute of Prehistory and Early History and Near Eastern Archaeology. Schmitt is in charge of the excavations in the North Palace.\n\nKing Assurbanipal is at the centre of the relief that has now been discovered. He is flanked by two high deities: the god Assur and the city goddess of Nineveh named I\u0161tar. These are followed by a fish genius, who bestows salvation and life on the gods and the ruler, as well as a supporting figure with raised arms; presumably a scorpion man.\n\n\"These figures suggest that a giant winged sun disc was originally placed above the relief,\" explains Schmitt. Based on the data collected on site, the scientists will analyse the finds in the coming months and publish the results in a scientific journal.\n\nThe relief originally stood in a wall niche opposite the main entrance to the throne room, i.e. in the most important place in the palace, according to Schmitt. The Heidelberg researchers discovered the fragments of the relief in a pit filled with earth. It was probably created in Hellenistic times in the third or second century BC.\n\n\"The fact that the fragments were buried is certainly one of the reasons why the British archaeologists did not find them more than a hundred years ago,\" surmises Schmitt.\n\nAt the end of the 19th century, British researchers had already examined the northern palace of ancient Nineveh for the first time and discovered large reliefs, which are now on display in the British Museum in London.\n\nIt is unclear why the relief was buried. Schmitt points out that there is a lack of information about the Hellenistic settlement in Nineveh: \"We don't know whether they had a negative attitude towards the Assyrian king and the Assyrian gods,\" he told the science portal \"Live Science\". \"I hope that our future excavations will give us a clearer picture.\"\n\nAncient Nineveh is considered one of the most important cities in northern Mesopotamia and developed into the capital of the Assyrian empire in the late eighth century BC under King Sanherib (705 to 680 BC). It was located on the left bank of the Tigris, at the mouth of a small tributary within the modern city of Mosul.\n\nAaron Schmitt and his team have been conducting research on Kuyunjik Hill in the core area of the northern palace built by King Assurbanipal since 2022. The excavations are part of the Heidelberg Nineveh Project launched in 2018 under the direction of Professor Stefan Maul from the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Heidelberg University.\n\nIn consultation with the State Board of Antiquities of Iraq (SBAH), the plan is to return the relief to its original location in the medium term and make it accessible to the public.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>German archaeologists have made a spectacular discovery in Iraq. During excavations in the ancient metropolis of Nineveh, a team from Heidelberg University came across large parts of a monumental relief. It shows King Assurbanipal (668 to 627 BC), the last ruler of the Assyrian Empire, accompanied by two important deities and other figures.<\/p>\n<p>The relief was unearthed in the throne room of the North Palace. It was carved on a massive stone slab measuring just over five metres in length and three metres in height and weighs around 12 tonnes.<\/p>\n<p>The find is extraordinary for the scientists not only because of its size, but also in terms of what the relief shows: \"Among the numerous relief depictions of Assyrian palaces known to us, there is no depiction of the great deities,\" emphasises Prof. Dr Aaron Schmitt from the Institute of Prehistory and Early History and Near Eastern Archaeology. Schmitt is in charge of the excavations in the North Palace.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.3686813186813187\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//29//07//00//808x298_cmsv2_b6d6e6b2-3558-5d8d-9ac2-874612451776-9290700.jpg/" alt=\" 3D model of the relief: The finds are marked in dark grey, the light grey part is a reconstruction. In the centre is King Assurbanipal, flanked by Assur and I\u0161tar.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/384x142_cmsv2_b6d6e6b2-3558-5d8d-9ac2-874612451776-9290700.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/640x236_cmsv2_b6d6e6b2-3558-5d8d-9ac2-874612451776-9290700.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/750x277_cmsv2_b6d6e6b2-3558-5d8d-9ac2-874612451776-9290700.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/828x305_cmsv2_b6d6e6b2-3558-5d8d-9ac2-874612451776-9290700.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/1080x398_cmsv2_b6d6e6b2-3558-5d8d-9ac2-874612451776-9290700.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/1200x442_cmsv2_b6d6e6b2-3558-5d8d-9ac2-874612451776-9290700.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/1920x708_cmsv2_b6d6e6b2-3558-5d8d-9ac2-874612451776-9290700.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\"> 3D model of the relief: The finds are marked in dark grey, the light grey part is a reconstruction. In the centre is King Assurbanipal, flanked by Assur and I\u0161tar.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Michael Rummel \/ Ruprecht-Karls-Universit\u00e4t Heidelberg <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>King Assurbanipal is at the centre of the relief that has now been discovered. He is flanked by two high deities: the god Assur and the city goddess of Nineveh named I\u0161tar. These are followed by a fish genius, who bestows salvation and life on the gods and the ruler, as well as a supporting figure with raised arms; presumably a scorpion man.<\/p>\n<p>\"These figures suggest that a giant winged sun disc was originally placed above the relief,\" explains Schmitt. Based on the data collected on site, the scientists will analyse the finds in the coming months and publish the results in a scientific journal.<\/p>\n<p>The relief originally stood in a wall niche opposite the main entrance to the throne room, i.e. in the most important place in the palace, according to Schmitt. The Heidelberg researchers discovered the fragments of the relief in a pit filled with earth. It was probably created in Hellenistic times in the third or second century BC.<\/p>\n<p>\"The fact that the fragments were buried is certainly one of the reasons why the British archaeologists did not find them more than a hundred years ago,\" surmises Schmitt.<\/p>\n<p>At the end of the 19th century, British researchers had already examined the northern palace of ancient Nineveh for the first time and discovered large reliefs, which are now on display in the British Museum in London.<\/p>\n<p>It is unclear why the relief was buried. Schmitt points out that there is a lack of information about the Hellenistic settlement in Nineveh: \"We don't know whether they had a negative attitude towards the Assyrian king and the Assyrian gods,\" he told the science portal \"Live Science\". \"I hope that our future excavations will give us a clearer picture.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6656698564593302\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//29//07//00//808x539_cmsv2_38a14e5c-5239-5cc8-8178-8f2eef48f93a-9290700.jpg/" alt=\" Excavation work in ancient Nineveh.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/384x256_cmsv2_38a14e5c-5239-5cc8-8178-8f2eef48f93a-9290700.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/640x426_cmsv2_38a14e5c-5239-5cc8-8178-8f2eef48f93a-9290700.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/750x499_cmsv2_38a14e5c-5239-5cc8-8178-8f2eef48f93a-9290700.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/828x551_cmsv2_38a14e5c-5239-5cc8-8178-8f2eef48f93a-9290700.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/1080x719_cmsv2_38a14e5c-5239-5cc8-8178-8f2eef48f93a-9290700.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/1200x799_cmsv2_38a14e5c-5239-5cc8-8178-8f2eef48f93a-9290700.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/1920x1278_cmsv2_38a14e5c-5239-5cc8-8178-8f2eef48f93a-9290700.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\"> Excavation work in ancient Nineveh.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Aaron Schmitt \/ Ruprecht-Karls-Universit\u00e4t Heidelberg<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Ancient Nineveh is considered one of the most important cities in northern Mesopotamia and developed into the capital of the Assyrian empire in the late eighth century BC under King Sanherib (705 to 680 BC). It was located on the left bank of the Tigris, at the mouth of a small tributary within the modern city of Mosul.<\/p>\n<p>Aaron Schmitt and his team have been conducting research on Kuyunjik Hill in the core area of the northern palace built by King Assurbanipal since 2022. The excavations are part of the Heidelberg Nineveh Project launched in 2018 under the direction of Professor Stefan Maul from the Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures at Heidelberg University.<\/p>\n<p>In consultation with the State Board of Antiquities of Iraq (SBAH), the plan is to return the relief to its original location in the medium term and make it accessible to the public.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1747556748,"updatedAt":1747595997,"publishedAt":1747561374,"firstPublishedAt":1747561374,"lastPublishedAt":1747595997,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_3a694f31-ecd7-5817-b2c2-0720367e33c4-9290700.jpg","altText":"Fragment of the discovered relief","caption":"Fragment of the discovered relief","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Aaron Schmidt","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1169,"height":880}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":43,"urlSafeValue":"debets","title":"Christoph Debets","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":4162,"slug":"archaeology","urlSafeValue":"archaeology","title":"Archaeology","titleRaw":"Archaeology"},{"id":3898,"slug":"mosul","urlSafeValue":"mosul","title":"Mosul","titleRaw":"Mosul"},{"id":15548,"slug":"discovery","urlSafeValue":"discovery","title":"discovery","titleRaw":"discovery"},{"id":18564,"slug":"ancient-city","urlSafeValue":"ancient-city","title":"ancient city","titleRaw":"ancient city"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2401298},{"id":2607682},{"id":2698874}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"Ruprecht-Karls-Universit\u00e4t Heidelberg","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":{"id":3898,"urlSafeValue":"mosul","title":"Mosul"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":{"id":1,"slug":"deepl","isActive":1},"localisation":{"producerLanguage":"de","storyId":9290700,"online":1},"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":1,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2025\/05\/18\/spectacular-find-monumental-images-of-gods-discovered-in-nineveh","lastModified":1747595997},{"id":2801807,"cid":9290729,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS","daletPyramidId":1531057,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Gaza dominates Arab League Summit as leaders push for ceasefire and pledge to work on reconstruction","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Arab leaders reiterate push for Gaza ceasefire at Baghdad summit","titleListing2":"Gaza dominates Arab League Summit as leaders push for ceasefire and pledge to work on reconstruction","leadin":"Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez and UN General-Secretary Ant\u00f3nio Guterres attended the annual Arab League Summit, as leaders from Arab nations reiterated their push for a Gaza ceasefire and promised to contribute to the territory's reconstruction.","summary":"Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez and UN General-Secretary Ant\u00f3nio Guterres attended the annual Arab League Summit, as leaders from Arab nations reiterated their push for a Gaza ceasefire and promised to contribute to the territory's reconstruction.","keySentence":"","url":"gaza-dominates-arab-league-summit-as-leaders-push-for-ceasefire-and-pledge-to-work-on-reco","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/05\/17\/gaza-dominates-arab-league-summit-as-leaders-push-for-ceasefire-and-pledge-to-work-on-reco","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Arab leaders gathered in Baghdad on Saturday for the annual Arab League Summit, where they announced they were working on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and vowed to contribute to the enclave's reconstruction.\n\nThe summit in the Iraqi capital was attended by Arab leaders including Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.\n\nSpanish Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez also attended as a guest, as did UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres.\n\nThe Spanish prime minister, who in a speech to the Spanis parliament on Wednesday called Israel a \"genocidal state\", urged the international community to apply pressure on Israel \"to halt the massacre in Gaza.\"\n\nGuterres called for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and the flow of aid into the territory, which has been under a total blockade by Israel for more than two months. He also said the UN rejects any \"forced displacement\" of Palestinians.\n\nIraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called for allowing aid to flow back into Gaza, which has been under a total blockade by Israel since early March. \"This genocide has reached levels of ugliness not seen in all conflicts throughout history,\" he said, adding that Iraq will work on setting up an Arab fund for the region's reconstructionom which his country will pay $20 million for Gaza and a roughly similar amount for Lebanon.\n\nEgypt's el-Sissi said that his country was coordinating with Qatar and the US in \"exerting intense efforts to reach a ceasefire\", and that Egypt plans to hold an international conference for the Gaza's reconstruction \"once the aggression stops\".\n\nPalestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is leader of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) in the West Bank and holds no authority over Hamas in Gaza, urged the militant group to hand over its weapons to the PNA. \n\nA notable absentee was new Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who sent his foreign minister instead. Iraqi Shiite militias and political factions wary of al-Sharaa\u2019s past as a Sunni militant pushed back against his invitation to the summit.\n\nAl-Sharaa did nevertheless meet US President Donald Trump earlier in the week, who promised to remove US-imposed sanctions on Syria.\n\n'Operation Gideon's Chariots'\n\nThe day before the summit took place, Israel announced the launching of a new announced a new phase in its Gaza offensive called \"Gideon's Chariots\", under which the IDF said it was \"conducting extensive strikes and mobilising troops to achieve operational control in the areas of Gaza.\"\n\nThe UN Secretary-General responded to the news by saying he was \"alarmed by reported plans by Israel to expand ground operations and more.\"\n\nSeparate to Israel's announcement of an expanded offensive, Euronews revealed the existence of documents dated December 2023 which revealed that creating a new entity in Gaza \"the day after\" a defeat of Hamas is one of the proposals the Israeli government has on the table.\n\nThe meeting in Baghdad was the 34th Arab League Summit, where Arab leaders gather to address regional matters. The League was formed in 1945 and currently comprises of 22 members.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Arab leaders gathered in Baghdad on Saturday for the annual Arab League Summit, where they announced they were working on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and vowed to contribute to the enclave's reconstruction.<\/p>\n<p>The summit in the Iraqi capital was attended by Arab leaders including Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi.<\/p>\n<p>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez also attended as a guest, as did UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres.<\/p>\n<p>The Spanish prime minister, who in a speech to the Spanis parliament on Wednesday called Israel a \"genocidal state\", urged the international community to apply pressure on Israel \"to halt the massacre in Gaza.\"<\/p>\n<p>Guterres called for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and the flow of aid into the territory, which has been under a total blockade by Israel for more than two months. He also said the UN rejects any \"forced displacement\" of Palestinians.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6484375\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//29//07//29//808x525_cmsv2_d1a9861a-cc06-5bfe-b3c8-7f53659f6951-9290729.jpg/" alt=\"Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 17, 2025.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/384x249_cmsv2_d1a9861a-cc06-5bfe-b3c8-7f53659f6951-9290729.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/640x415_cmsv2_d1a9861a-cc06-5bfe-b3c8-7f53659f6951-9290729.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/750x486_cmsv2_d1a9861a-cc06-5bfe-b3c8-7f53659f6951-9290729.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/828x537_cmsv2_d1a9861a-cc06-5bfe-b3c8-7f53659f6951-9290729.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/1080x700_cmsv2_d1a9861a-cc06-5bfe-b3c8-7f53659f6951-9290729.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/1200x778_cmsv2_d1a9861a-cc06-5bfe-b3c8-7f53659f6951-9290729.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/1920x1245_cmsv2_d1a9861a-cc06-5bfe-b3c8-7f53659f6951-9290729.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 17, 2025.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Hadi Mizban\/AP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani called for allowing aid to flow back into Gaza, which has been under a total blockade by Israel since early March. \"This genocide has reached levels of ugliness not seen in all conflicts throughout history,\" he said, adding that Iraq will work on setting up an Arab fund for the region's reconstructionom which his country will pay $20 million for Gaza and a roughly similar amount for Lebanon.<\/p>\n<p>Egypt's el-Sissi said that his country was coordinating with Qatar and the US in \"exerting intense efforts to reach a ceasefire\", and that Egypt plans to hold an international conference for the Gaza's reconstruction \"once the aggression stops\".<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.646484375\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//29//07//29//808x521_cmsv2_c44a8ad0-f861-5d0e-83f2-171b055c8c09-9290729.jpg/" alt=\"President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sissi attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 17, 2025.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/384x248_cmsv2_c44a8ad0-f861-5d0e-83f2-171b055c8c09-9290729.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/640x414_cmsv2_c44a8ad0-f861-5d0e-83f2-171b055c8c09-9290729.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/750x485_cmsv2_c44a8ad0-f861-5d0e-83f2-171b055c8c09-9290729.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/828x535_cmsv2_c44a8ad0-f861-5d0e-83f2-171b055c8c09-9290729.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/1080x698_cmsv2_c44a8ad0-f861-5d0e-83f2-171b055c8c09-9290729.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/1200x776_cmsv2_c44a8ad0-f861-5d0e-83f2-171b055c8c09-9290729.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/1920x1241_cmsv2_c44a8ad0-f861-5d0e-83f2-171b055c8c09-9290729.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">President of Egypt Abdel Fattah el-Sissi attends the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 17, 2025.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Hadi Mizban\/AP<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, who is leader of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) in the West Bank and holds no authority over Hamas in Gaza, urged the militant group to hand over its weapons to the PNA. <\/p>\n<p>A notable absentee was new Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, who sent his foreign minister instead. Iraqi Shiite militias and political factions wary of al-Sharaa\u2019s past as a Sunni militant pushed back against his invitation to the summit.<\/p>\n<p>Al-Sharaa did nevertheless meet US President Donald Trump earlier in the week, who promised to remove US-imposed sanctions on Syria.<\/p>\n<h2>'Operation Gideon's Chariots'<\/h2>\n<p>The day before the summit took place, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2025//05//17//israel-announces-new-gaza-offensive-amid-heavy-airstrikes/">Israel announced<\/a> the launching of a new announced a new phase in its Gaza offensive called \"Gideon's Chariots\", under which the IDF said it was \"conducting extensive strikes and mobilising troops to achieve operational control in the areas of Gaza.\"<\/p>\n<p>The UN Secretary-General responded to the news by saying he was \"alarmed by reported plans by Israel to expand ground operations and more.\"<\/p>\n<p>Separate to Israel's announcement of an expanded offensive, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2025//05//16//exclusive-israeli-proposal-details-possible-plan-to-rule-gaza-after-hamas/">Euronews revealed the existence of<\/a> documents dated December 2023 which revealed that creating a new entity in Gaza \"the day after\" a defeat of Hamas is one of the proposals the Israeli government has on the table.<\/p>\n<p>The meeting in Baghdad was the 34th Arab League Summit, where Arab leaders gather to address regional matters. The League was formed in 1945 and currently comprises of 22 members.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1747488632,"updatedAt":1748347945,"publishedAt":1747494904,"firstPublishedAt":1747494904,"lastPublishedAt":1748347945,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_40b23ba1-c590-53a3-8dbc-54dc3347b9a8-9290729.jpg","altText":"Arab leaders attend the opening session of the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 17, 2025.","caption":"Arab leaders attend the opening session of the 34th Arab League summit, in Baghdad, Iraq, Saturday, May 17, 2025.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Hadi Mizban\/AP","sourceUrl":"https:\/\/newsroom.ap.org\/detail\/IraqArabSummit\/ce26233a2e244ca380e4799db091d8e6","sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c44a8ad0-f861-5d0e-83f2-171b055c8c09-9290729.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":662},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/29\/07\/29\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d1a9861a-cc06-5bfe-b3c8-7f53659f6951-9290729.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":664}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3242,"urlSafeValue":"georgiou-daniel","title":"Orestes Georgiou Daniel","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":4231,"slug":"arab-league","urlSafeValue":"arab-league","title":"Arab League","titleRaw":"Arab League"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":9553,"slug":"the-gaza-strip","urlSafeValue":"the-gaza-strip","title":"The Gaza Strip","titleRaw":"The Gaza Strip"},{"id":292,"slug":"united-nations","urlSafeValue":"united-nations","title":"United Nations","titleRaw":"United Nations"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2796842},{"id":2801379}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"r9BG2WmUkDQ","dailymotionId":"x9jogwa"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/15\/16\/11\/05\/ED_PYR_1516115_20250517144234.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":11929664,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/15\/16\/11\/05\/SHD_PYR_1516115_20250517144234.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":16544716,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/15\/16\/11\/05\/FHD_PYR_1516115_20250517144234.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":46032107,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":{"id":3904,"urlSafeValue":"baghdad","title":"Baghdad"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/05\/17\/gaza-dominates-arab-league-summit-as-leaders-push-for-ceasefire-and-pledge-to-work-on-reco","lastModified":1748347945},{"id":2773528,"cid":9131232,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NC3 IRAQ KURDISH NEWROZ","daletPyramidId":936677,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Thousands gather in Iraq's Kurdish region to celebrate Nowruz festival","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Nowruz festival celebrated by thousands in Kurdish region","titleListing2":"Thousands gathered in Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region on Thursday to celebrate the spring festival Nowruz.","leadin":"Celebrations filled Iraq\u2019s Kurdish region on Thursday as people gathered to mark Nowruz, the festival that welcomes spring and the start of a new year.","summary":"Celebrations filled Iraq\u2019s Kurdish region on Thursday as people gathered to mark Nowruz, the festival that welcomes spring and the start of a new year.","keySentence":"","url":"thousands-gather-in-iraqs-kurdish-region-to-celebrate-nowruz-festival","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/03\/21\/thousands-gather-in-iraqs-kurdish-region-to-celebrate-nowruz-festival","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Thousands gathered in Iraq\u2019s Kurdish region on Thursday to celebrate Nowruz, the festival that heralds the arrival of spring and the start of a new year.\n\nNowruz, deeply rooted in Persian and Iranian traditions, has spread beyond borders and is now embraced by diverse communities across the world.\n\nIn Akre, known as the \u201ccapital of Nowruz,\u201d men and women carrying torches climbed the mountains as fireworks lit up the sky.\n\nFalling on 21 March, Nowruz symbolises the shift from darkness to light. For Kurds, it carries deep political meaning, reflecting their cultural identity and long struggle for autonomy. \n\nWith over 20 million Kurds across Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Turkey, the festival remains a powerful emblem of unity.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Thousands gathered in Iraq\u2019s Kurdish region on Thursday to celebrate Nowruz, the festival that heralds the arrival of spring and the start of a new year.<\/p>\n<p>Nowruz, deeply rooted in Persian and Iranian traditions, has spread beyond borders and is now embraced by diverse communities across the world.<\/p>\n<p>In Akre, known as the \u201ccapital of Nowruz,\u201d men and women carrying torches climbed the mountains as fireworks lit up the sky.<\/p>\n<p>Falling on 21 March, Nowruz symbolises the shift from darkness to light. For Kurds, it carries deep political meaning, reflecting their cultural identity and long struggle for autonomy. <\/p>\n<p>With over 20 million Kurds across Iraq, Syria, Iran, and Turkey, the festival remains a powerful emblem of unity.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1742561431,"updatedAt":1742565268,"publishedAt":1742565218,"firstPublishedAt":1742565218,"lastPublishedAt":1742565268,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/12\/32\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1c15c9ce-9754-509e-bd54-80e620f500d1-9131232.jpg","altText":"People celebrating Nowruz in Akre","caption":"People celebrating Nowruz in Akre","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1333}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":176,"urlSafeValue":"caraco","title":"Alexis Caraco","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"id":176,"urlSafeValue":"caraco","title":"Alexis Caraco","twitter":null}]},"keywords":[{"id":12012,"slug":"nowrouz","urlSafeValue":"nowrouz","title":"Nowruz","titleRaw":"Nowruz"},{"id":5262,"slug":"kurdistan","urlSafeValue":"kurdistan","title":"Kurdistan","titleRaw":"Kurdistan"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":8261,"slug":"new-year-celebrations","urlSafeValue":"new-year-celebrations","title":"New Year celebrations","titleRaw":"New Year celebrations"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2040652},{"id":2230886}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"Bi0F2OLN2L8","dailymotionId":"x9giyvq"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/10\/16\/71\/04\/ED_PYR_1016714.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":12014012,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/10\/16\/71\/04\/SHD_PYR_1016714.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":16779189,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/10\/16\/71\/04\/FHD_PYR_1016714.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":48353171,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"No Comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84121001"],"slugs":["news"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/video\/2025\/03\/21\/thousands-gather-in-iraqs-kurdish-region-to-celebrate-nowruz-festival","lastModified":1742565268},{"id":2773410,"cid":9130494,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"250321_C2SU_57886509","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Culture \u2013 Iraq tablets","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":" 4,000-year-old tablets found in Iraq reveal ancient red tape","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":" 4,000-year-old tablets found in Iraq reveal ancient red tape","titleListing2":" 4,000-year-old tablets found in Iraq reveal ancient red tape","leadin":"Archaeologists from the British Museum and Iraq have uncovered over 200 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets at Girsu, shedding light on the earliest known empire's complex bureaucracy.","summary":"Archaeologists from the British Museum and Iraq have uncovered over 200 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets at Girsu, shedding light on the earliest known empire's complex bureaucracy.","keySentence":"","url":"4000-year-old-tablets-found-in-iraq-reveal-ancient-red-tape","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2025\/03\/21\/4000-year-old-tablets-found-in-iraq-reveal-ancient-red-tape","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A discovery in southern Iraq has given us a rare glimpse into the world of ancient bureaucracy. Researchers from the British Museum and Iraq have unearthed over 200 clay cuneiform tablets and 60 seals, offering a detailed record of the early Akkadian empire.\n\nThese 4,000-year-old tablets, uncovered at the ancient Sumerian city of Girsu (modern-day Tello), reveal everything from the mundane to the monumental: barley rations, livestock transactions, and even the death of a sheep at the empire's fringes. \n\n\u201cThese are the spreadsheets of empire, the very first material evidence of the very first empire in the world,\u201d S\u00e9bastien Rey, the British Museum\u2019s curator for ancient Mesopotamia and director of the Girsu Project, told The Observer.\u00a0\n\nLest we think that red tape was a modern invention, Rey highlighted the empire\u2019s penchant for bureaucratic procedure. \u201cThey note absolutely everything down\u2026 They are obsessed with bureaucracy,\u201d he said.\n\nThe treasure trove of administrative records, dating back to the Akkadian period (2300-2150 BCE), provides the first concrete evidence of the Akkadian Empire under King Sargon \u2013 the world\u2019s first known empire. Rey explained that the tablets were stored in a state archive building and document the inner workings of the empire in great detail. These are \u201cthe very first material evidence of how the empire actually worked,\u201d he added.\n\nAs Rey explained, the finds also reveal that women played significant roles in this early empire. He noted that, while society was patrilineal, women held important offices, including high priestess roles \u2013 something unusual for the time.\n\n\u201cWomen held important offices within the state. So we have high priestesses, for example, although it was a society very much led by men. But the role of the woman was at least higher than many other societies, and it\u2019s undeniable based on the evidence that we have,\u201d he told the Observer.\n\nThe tablets, part of the Girsu Project \u2013 a collaboration between the British Museum and Iraq\u2019s State Board of Antiquities \u2013 will be housed at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad for further study.\u00a0\n\nFind out more about the Girsu Project here.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>A discovery in southern Iraq has given us a rare glimpse into the world of ancient bureaucracy. Researchers from the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//11//14//british-museum-accepts-highest-value-donation-in-uk-museum-history/">British Museum<\/strong><\/a> and <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2025//02//07//war-ravaged-landmarks-in-iraqs-mosul-are-reopening-after-unesco-led-restoration-project/">Iraq have unearthed over 200 clay cuneiform tablets and 60 seals, offering a detailed record of the early Akkadian empire.<\/p>\n<p>These 4,000-year-old tablets, uncovered at the ancient Sumerian city of Girsu (modern-day Tello), reveal everything from the mundane to the monumental: barley rations, livestock transactions, and even the death of a sheep at the empire's fringes. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThese are the spreadsheets of empire, the very first material evidence of the very first empire in the world,\u201d S\u00e9bastien Rey, the British Museum\u2019s curator for <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//08//14//a-king-will-die-researchers-decipher-4000-year-old-babylonian-tablets-predicting-doom/">ancient Mesopotamia<\/strong><\/a> and director of the Girsu Project, told The Observer.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//13//04//94//808x484_cmsv2_dd2e6f16-8561-51d0-b823-1c62fd9e020f-9130494.jpg/" alt=\"The tablets contain cuneiform symbols, an early writing system.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/04\/94\/384x230_cmsv2_dd2e6f16-8561-51d0-b823-1c62fd9e020f-9130494.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/04\/94\/640x384_cmsv2_dd2e6f16-8561-51d0-b823-1c62fd9e020f-9130494.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/04\/94\/750x450_cmsv2_dd2e6f16-8561-51d0-b823-1c62fd9e020f-9130494.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/04\/94\/828x497_cmsv2_dd2e6f16-8561-51d0-b823-1c62fd9e020f-9130494.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/04\/94\/1080x648_cmsv2_dd2e6f16-8561-51d0-b823-1c62fd9e020f-9130494.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/04\/94\/1200x720_cmsv2_dd2e6f16-8561-51d0-b823-1c62fd9e020f-9130494.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/04\/94\/1920x1152_cmsv2_dd2e6f16-8561-51d0-b823-1c62fd9e020f-9130494.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The tablets contain cuneiform symbols, an early writing system.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Alberto Giannese\/The Girsu Project\/British Museum<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Lest we think that red tape was a modern invention, Rey highlighted the empire\u2019s penchant for bureaucratic procedure. \u201cThey note absolutely everything down\u2026 They are obsessed with bureaucracy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<p>The treasure trove of administrative records, dating back to the Akkadian period (2300-2150 BCE), provides the first concrete evidence of the Akkadian Empire under King Sargon \u2013 the world\u2019s first known <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//08//02//rome-caesars-forum-as-it-was-two-thousand-years-ago-in-new-multimedia-show/">empire. Rey explained that the tablets were stored in a state archive building and document the inner workings of the empire in great detail. These are \u201cthe very first material evidence of how the empire actually worked,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p>As Rey explained, the finds also reveal that women played significant roles in this early empire. He noted that, while society was patrilineal, <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//03//08//five-facts-you-need-to-know-about-international-womens-day/">women held important offices, including high priestess roles \u2013 something unusual for the time.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-youtube-embed\nwidget--size-fullwidth\nwidget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"auto widget__ratio widget__ratio--16x9\">\n <iframe type=\"text\/html\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.youtube.com//embed//dwGmyy2Aabg/" width=\"100%\" loading=\"lazy\" frameborder=\"0\" seamless>\n <\/iframe>\n <\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cWomen held important offices within the state. So we have high priestesses, for example, although it was a society very much led by men. But the role of the woman was at least higher than many other societies, and it\u2019s undeniable based on the evidence that we have,\u201d he told the Observer.<\/p>\n<p>The tablets, part of the Girsu Project \u2013 a collaboration between the British Museum and Iraq\u2019s State Board of Antiquities \u2013 will be housed at the Iraq Museum in Baghdad for further study.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><strong>Find out more about the Girsu Project <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.britishmuseum.org//research//projects//girsu-project/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\">here<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1742551909,"updatedAt":1742558709,"publishedAt":1742556569,"firstPublishedAt":1742556569,"lastPublishedAt":1742556632,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/04\/94\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_de08ee70-3b1b-5839-ac9a-93faca4c2c7c-9130494.jpg","altText":"One of the collection of carved clay tablets.","caption":"One of the collection of carved clay tablets.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ellie Atkins\/The Girsu Project\/The British Museum","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1200,"height":826},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/13\/04\/94\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_dd2e6f16-8561-51d0-b823-1c62fd9e020f-9130494.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1200}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3106,"urlSafeValue":"morton","title":"Elise Morton","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":28606,"slug":"archeology","urlSafeValue":"archeology","title":"archaeology","titleRaw":"archaeology"},{"id":16916,"slug":"arkeolojik-kaz-","urlSafeValue":"arkeolojik-kaz-","title":"archaeological excavation","titleRaw":"archaeological excavation"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":6923,"slug":"museum","urlSafeValue":"museum","title":"Museum","titleRaw":"Museum"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1},{"slug":"youtube","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2754804}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":{"id":3904,"urlSafeValue":"baghdad","title":"Baghdad"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84121001"],"slugs":["news"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2025\/03\/21\/4000-year-old-tablets-found-in-iraq-reveal-ancient-red-tape","lastModified":1742556632},{"id":2748988,"cid":9038276,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"250207_C2SU_57704249","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"CULTURE - IRAQ HISTORIC LANDMARKS REOPENING","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"War-ravaged landmarks in Iraq\u2019s Mosul are reopening after UNESCO-led restoration project","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Landmarks in Iraq\u2019s Mosul are reopening after UNESCO-led restoration ","titleListing2":"War-ravaged landmarks in Iraq\u2019s Mosul are reopening after UNESCO-led restoration project","leadin":"A UNESCO-led project is restoring historic landmarks in Iraq's Mosul, including the Al-Hadbaa Minaret and key churches, after being destroyed by ISIS.","summary":"A UNESCO-led project is restoring historic landmarks in Iraq's Mosul, including the Al-Hadbaa Minaret and key churches, after being destroyed by ISIS.","keySentence":"","url":"war-ravaged-landmarks-in-iraqs-mosul-are-reopening-after-unesco-led-restoration-project","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2025\/02\/07\/war-ravaged-landmarks-in-iraqs-mosul-are-reopening-after-unesco-led-restoration-project","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"For over 850 years, the leaning minaret of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri stood as a defining symbol of Mosul - until it was reduced to rubble by the Islamic State group in 2017.\n\nNow, nearly eight years after IS militants were driven out, the minaret has been rebuilt as part of a sweeping, internationally funded restoration effort aimed at reviving the historic city.\n\nFor locals of Mosul, the minaret's restoration is deeply personal. Saad Muhammed Jarjees, a lifelong Mosul resident, says the minaret was once a constant presence outside his window. He watched it stand through years of conflict - until one morning, it was gone. \n\n\u201cDuring the Islamic State occupation, I would look at it every morning and see their flag flying on top,\u201d he recalls. \u201cWe longed for the day that flag would come down - it would mean we were liberated. Then one morning, we woke up to find the entire minaret gone.\" \n\n\u201cThe Al-Hadbaa Minaret is one of the most symbolic sites for the people of Mosul, and today this symbol is completely brought back to life,\u201d said Ruwaid Allayla, Director of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage.\n\nThe difficulties of rebuilding a site damaged by war\n\nThe reconstruction of the Al-Hadbaa Minaret was a painstaking process led by UNESCO in collaboration with Iraqi heritage and Sunni religious authorities, using traditional techniques and materials salvaged from the rubble.\n\n\u201cThe heritage authority ensured the use of original materials for reconstruction to preserve its exceptional value and authenticity and keep it on UNESCO\u2019s World Heritage list,\" Allayla said.\n\nSite engineer Omar Taqa described the immense challenges, from clearing war debris to meticulously separating artefacts from the rubble. The team also needed to conduct detailed engineering and historical studies to design a site that would preserve the essence of the original, he said.\n\nOn a visit to the city on Wednesday, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay toured the minaret and the al-Nuri Mosque and other restored sites including the al-Hadbaa Minaret and the al-Tahira and al-Sa'aa churches.\n\n\u201cThis intervention in a post-conflict environment was unprecedented in its complexity,\u201d she said. \u201c80% of the Old City had been destroyed. When our first team arrived on-site in 2018, they were faced with a field of ruins.\u201d\n\nOther historic landmarks being restored \n\nThe reconstruction effort extends beyond the mosque. Mosul\u2019s Christian sites, also devastated by IS, are being restored in parallel. \n\nBefore 2003, the city was home to around 50,000 Christians. Many fled when IS seized control in 2014, and today, fewer than 20 Christian families remain as permanent residents.\n\nOriginally opened in 1862 in the heart of Mosul\u2019s Old City, Al-Tahira Church was severely damaged during the city\u2019s occupation by ISIS in 2017. The roof collapsed, large parts of the arcades were destroyed, and significant portions of the external walls were reduced to rubble.\n\nAt the newly restored church, Mar Benedictus Younan Hanno, Archbishop of Mosul for Syriac Catholics, said the reconstruction is about more than just buildings.\n\n\u201cThe main goal of rebuilding churches today is to revive the history that our ancestors lived,\u201d Hanno said. \u201cWhen Mosul Christians come to this church, they remember the place where they got educated and baptised, and the place where they prayed. This could possibly give them an incentive to return.\u201d\n\nUNESCO Director Azoulay echoed this sentiment, pointing to the significance of hearing church bells ring once again in Mosul: \u201cIt sends the message that the city is returning to its true identity, which is a plural identity. It\u2019s a very important sign of hope that this church was rebuilt by Iraqi people, mostly Muslims, who are happy to restore it for this community.\"\n\nAn official reopening at the Great Mosque of al-Nuri is set to take place in the coming weeks, with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expected to attend.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>For over 850 years, the leaning minaret of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri stood as a defining symbol of Mosul - until it was reduced to rubble by the Islamic State group in 2017.<\/p>\n<p>Now, nearly eight years after IS militants were driven out, the minaret has been rebuilt as part of a sweeping, internationally funded restoration effort aimed at reviving the historic city.<\/p>\n<p>For locals of Mosul, the minaret's restoration is deeply personal. Saad Muhammed Jarjees, a lifelong Mosul resident, says the minaret was once a constant presence outside his window. He watched it stand through years of conflict - until one morning, it was gone. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cDuring the Islamic State occupation, I would look at it every morning and see their flag flying on top,\u201d he recalls. \u201cWe longed for the day that flag would come down - it would mean we were liberated. Then one morning, we woke up to find the entire minaret gone.\" <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"1.36015625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//03//82//76//808x1092_cmsv2_e70b6ae6-065e-5a80-bec9-7fa68ed3ff6b-9038276.jpg/" alt=\"The leaning minaret of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri (1932). \" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/384x522_cmsv2_e70b6ae6-065e-5a80-bec9-7fa68ed3ff6b-9038276.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/640x871_cmsv2_e70b6ae6-065e-5a80-bec9-7fa68ed3ff6b-9038276.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/750x1020_cmsv2_e70b6ae6-065e-5a80-bec9-7fa68ed3ff6b-9038276.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/828x1126_cmsv2_e70b6ae6-065e-5a80-bec9-7fa68ed3ff6b-9038276.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1080x1469_cmsv2_e70b6ae6-065e-5a80-bec9-7fa68ed3ff6b-9038276.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1200x1632_cmsv2_e70b6ae6-065e-5a80-bec9-7fa68ed3ff6b-9038276.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1920x2612_cmsv2_e70b6ae6-065e-5a80-bec9-7fa68ed3ff6b-9038276.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The leaning minaret of the Great Mosque of al-Nuri (1932). <\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Credit: Wikimedia Commons <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//03//82//76//808x539_cmsv2_2bccde3f-24f8-5509-9001-4ac0edc82389-9038276.jpg/" alt=\"An Iraqi special forces lieutenant takes a selfie with an airstrike plume during heavy fighting in western Mosul\u2019s Yarmouk district on 11 April 2017.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/384x256_cmsv2_2bccde3f-24f8-5509-9001-4ac0edc82389-9038276.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/640x427_cmsv2_2bccde3f-24f8-5509-9001-4ac0edc82389-9038276.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/750x500_cmsv2_2bccde3f-24f8-5509-9001-4ac0edc82389-9038276.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/828x552_cmsv2_2bccde3f-24f8-5509-9001-4ac0edc82389-9038276.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1080x720_cmsv2_2bccde3f-24f8-5509-9001-4ac0edc82389-9038276.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1200x800_cmsv2_2bccde3f-24f8-5509-9001-4ac0edc82389-9038276.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1920x1281_cmsv2_2bccde3f-24f8-5509-9001-4ac0edc82389-9038276.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">An Iraqi special forces lieutenant takes a selfie with an airstrike plume during heavy fighting in western Mosul\u2019s Yarmouk district on 11 April 2017.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Credit: Maya Alleruzzo\/AP Photo <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\u201cThe Al-Hadbaa Minaret is one of the most symbolic sites for the people of Mosul, and today this symbol is completely brought back to life,\u201d said Ruwaid Allayla, Director of the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage.<\/p>\n<h2>The difficulties of rebuilding a site damaged by war<\/h2>\n<p>The reconstruction of the Al-Hadbaa Minaret was a painstaking process led by <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//08//02//a-roman-road-sand-dunes-and-gold-mines-these-are-the-24-new-unesco-world-heritage-sites-fo/">UNESCO in collaboration with <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//video//2025//01//31//italy-returns-ancient-iraqi-artefacts-seized-from-illegal-traffickers/">Iraqi heritage<\/strong><\/a> and Sunni religious authorities, using traditional techniques and materials salvaged from the rubble.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe heritage authority ensured the use of original materials for reconstruction to preserve its exceptional value and authenticity and keep it on UNESCO\u2019s World Heritage list,\" Allayla said.<\/p>\n<p>Site engineer Omar Taqa described the immense challenges, from clearing war debris to meticulously separating artefacts from the rubble. The team also needed to conduct detailed engineering and historical studies to design a site that would preserve the essence of the original, he said.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//03//82//76//808x539_cmsv2_0793d7a7-e496-57b4-bc34-7211707cba8a-9038276.jpg/" alt=\"UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay tours the area as she visits historic sites in Mosul, Iraq, Wednesday, 5 February 2025.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/384x256_cmsv2_0793d7a7-e496-57b4-bc34-7211707cba8a-9038276.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/640x427_cmsv2_0793d7a7-e496-57b4-bc34-7211707cba8a-9038276.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/750x500_cmsv2_0793d7a7-e496-57b4-bc34-7211707cba8a-9038276.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/828x552_cmsv2_0793d7a7-e496-57b4-bc34-7211707cba8a-9038276.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1080x720_cmsv2_0793d7a7-e496-57b4-bc34-7211707cba8a-9038276.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1200x800_cmsv2_0793d7a7-e496-57b4-bc34-7211707cba8a-9038276.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1920x1281_cmsv2_0793d7a7-e496-57b4-bc34-7211707cba8a-9038276.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay tours the area as she visits historic sites in Mosul, Iraq, Wednesday, 5 February 2025.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Credit: Farid Abdulwahed\/AP Photo <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//03//82//76//808x539_cmsv2_8464d44a-4df9-52a3-a6fb-6050b7462d9a-9038276.jpg/" alt=\"The leaning Al-Hadbaa Minaret of Al-Nuri Mosque stands tall once again in Mosul\u2019s Old City on 5 Feb 2025. \" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/384x256_cmsv2_8464d44a-4df9-52a3-a6fb-6050b7462d9a-9038276.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/640x427_cmsv2_8464d44a-4df9-52a3-a6fb-6050b7462d9a-9038276.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/750x500_cmsv2_8464d44a-4df9-52a3-a6fb-6050b7462d9a-9038276.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/828x552_cmsv2_8464d44a-4df9-52a3-a6fb-6050b7462d9a-9038276.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1080x720_cmsv2_8464d44a-4df9-52a3-a6fb-6050b7462d9a-9038276.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1200x800_cmsv2_8464d44a-4df9-52a3-a6fb-6050b7462d9a-9038276.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1920x1281_cmsv2_8464d44a-4df9-52a3-a6fb-6050b7462d9a-9038276.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The leaning Al-Hadbaa Minaret of Al-Nuri Mosque stands tall once again in Mosul\u2019s Old City on 5 Feb 2025. <\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Farid Abdulwahed\/Copyright 2025 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>On a visit to the city on Wednesday, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay toured the minaret and the al-Nuri Mosque and other <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//12//31//unesco-steps-up-protection-for-ukrainian-heritage-sites/">restored sites<\/strong><\/a> including the al-Hadbaa Minaret and the al-Tahira and al-Sa'aa churches.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThis intervention in a post-conflict environment was unprecedented in its complexity,\u201d she said. \u201c80% of the Old City had been destroyed. When our first team arrived on-site in 2018, they were faced with a field of ruins.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Other historic landmarks being restored<\/h2>\n<p>The reconstruction effort extends beyond the mosque. Mosul\u2019s Christian sites, also devastated by IS, are being restored in parallel. <\/p>\n<p>Before 2003, the city was home to around 50,000 Christians. Many fled when IS seized control in 2014, and today, fewer than 20 Christian families remain as permanent residents.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//03//82//76//808x454_cmsv2_746a1d6c-6add-54b1-97fc-a55df625bb28-9038276.jpg/" alt=\"The destroyed Al-Tahera Church in Mosul, 2017. \" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/384x216_cmsv2_746a1d6c-6add-54b1-97fc-a55df625bb28-9038276.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/640x360_cmsv2_746a1d6c-6add-54b1-97fc-a55df625bb28-9038276.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/750x422_cmsv2_746a1d6c-6add-54b1-97fc-a55df625bb28-9038276.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/828x466_cmsv2_746a1d6c-6add-54b1-97fc-a55df625bb28-9038276.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1080x608_cmsv2_746a1d6c-6add-54b1-97fc-a55df625bb28-9038276.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1200x675_cmsv2_746a1d6c-6add-54b1-97fc-a55df625bb28-9038276.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1920x1080_cmsv2_746a1d6c-6add-54b1-97fc-a55df625bb28-9038276.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The destroyed Al-Tahera Church in Mosul, 2017. <\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Credit: UNESCO <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//03//82//76//808x454_cmsv2_c5d3fa48-2482-581f-95ac-a15f09fabfe6-9038276.jpg/" alt=\"The roof of the Al-Tahera Church in Mosul being restored, 2024. \" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/384x216_cmsv2_c5d3fa48-2482-581f-95ac-a15f09fabfe6-9038276.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/640x360_cmsv2_c5d3fa48-2482-581f-95ac-a15f09fabfe6-9038276.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/750x422_cmsv2_c5d3fa48-2482-581f-95ac-a15f09fabfe6-9038276.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/828x466_cmsv2_c5d3fa48-2482-581f-95ac-a15f09fabfe6-9038276.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1080x608_cmsv2_c5d3fa48-2482-581f-95ac-a15f09fabfe6-9038276.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1200x675_cmsv2_c5d3fa48-2482-581f-95ac-a15f09fabfe6-9038276.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/1920x1080_cmsv2_c5d3fa48-2482-581f-95ac-a15f09fabfe6-9038276.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The roof of the Al-Tahera Church in Mosul being restored, 2024. <\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Credit: UNESCO <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Originally opened in 1862 in the heart of Mosul\u2019s Old City, Al-Tahira Church was severely damaged during the city\u2019s occupation by ISIS in 2017. The roof collapsed, large parts of the arcades were destroyed, and significant portions of the external walls were reduced to rubble.<\/p>\n<p>At the newly restored church, Mar Benedictus Younan Hanno, Archbishop of Mosul for Syriac Catholics, said the reconstruction is about more than just buildings.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe main goal of rebuilding churches today is to revive the history that our ancestors lived,\u201d Hanno said. \u201cWhen Mosul Christians come to this church, they remember the place where they got educated and baptised, and the place where they prayed. This could possibly give them an incentive to return.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>UNESCO Director Azoulay echoed this sentiment, pointing to the significance of hearing church bells ring once again in Mosul: \u201cIt sends the message that the city is returning to its true identity, which is a plural identity. It\u2019s a very important sign of hope that this church was rebuilt by Iraqi people, mostly Muslims, who are happy to restore it for this community.\"<\/p>\n<p>An official reopening at the Great Mosque of al-Nuri is set to take place in the coming weeks, with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani expected to attend.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1738920054,"updatedAt":1738927102,"publishedAt":1738923572,"firstPublishedAt":1738923572,"lastPublishedAt":1738923577,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e6a61a61-2cb9-5d8e-aa75-53ceafb9c214-9038276.jpg","altText":"Preparations are underway for UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay\u2019s visit to Mosul\u2019s al-Nuri Mosque on 5 February 2025.","caption":"Preparations are underway for UNESCO chief Audrey Azoulay\u2019s visit to Mosul\u2019s al-Nuri Mosque on 5 February 2025.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Credit: AP Photo ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_746a1d6c-6add-54b1-97fc-a55df625bb28-9038276.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c5d3fa48-2482-581f-95ac-a15f09fabfe6-9038276.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8464d44a-4df9-52a3-a6fb-6050b7462d9a-9038276.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2bccde3f-24f8-5509-9001-4ac0edc82389-9038276.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0793d7a7-e496-57b4-bc34-7211707cba8a-9038276.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/82\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e70b6ae6-065e-5a80-bec9-7fa68ed3ff6b-9038276.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":1741}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":2328,"urlSafeValue":"farrant","title":"Theo Farrant","twitter":"@theo_farrant"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":4875,"slug":"islam","urlSafeValue":"islam","title":"Islam","titleRaw":"Islam"},{"id":10911,"slug":"mosque","urlSafeValue":"mosque","title":"Mosque","titleRaw":"Mosque"},{"id":8057,"slug":"unesco","urlSafeValue":"unesco","title":"UNESCO","titleRaw":"UNESCO"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":6}],"related":[{"id":2716124},{"id":2815696}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"AP","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":{"id":3898,"urlSafeValue":"mosul","title":"Mosul"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["80023001","80122011","80222011","84031001","84032006","84101001","84102010","84181001","84182006","84182008","84211001","84212001"],"slugs":["aggregated_all_moderate_content","business","business_construction","home_and_garden","home_and_garden_remodeling_and_construction","religion_and_spirituality","religion_and_spirituality_christianity","religion_and_spirituality_islam","society","society_general","terrorism_high_and_medium_risk","terrorism_high_medium_and_low_risk"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2025\/02\/07\/war-ravaged-landmarks-in-iraqs-mosul-are-reopening-after-unesco-led-restoration-project","lastModified":1738923577},{"id":2747436,"cid":9032754,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"250205_NWWB_57687610","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Iraq Supreme Court","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Iraq\u2019s Supreme Court freezes controversial laws on women\u2019s rights, detainees, and land disputes","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Iraq\u2019s top court freezes laws on women, detainees, and land rights","titleListing2":"Iraq\u2019s top court has suspended three controversial laws, including one critics say threatens women\u2019s rights.","leadin":"The move follows a complaint by lawmakers who argued that the voting process was unlawful.","summary":"The move follows a complaint by lawmakers who argued that the voting process was unlawful.","keySentence":"","url":"iraqs-supreme-court-freezes-controversial-laws-on-womens-rights-detainees-and-land-dispute","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/02\/05\/iraqs-supreme-court-freezes-controversial-laws-on-womens-rights-detainees-and-land-dispute","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Iraq\u2019s highest court has temporarily suspended the enforcement of three contentious laws passed by parliament last month, including a measure that activists argue erodes women\u2019s rights.\n\nThe Federal Supreme Court issued a ruling on Tuesday stopping the implementation of the bills pending a legal challenge over the parliamentary voting process.\n\nA group of lawmakers contested the validity of the vote, arguing that the bills \u2014 each backed by different political factions \u2014 were inappropriately passed together instead of being debated and approved individually.\n\nA copy of the court's order obtained by the Associated Press confirms that the laws will remain on hold until a final verdict is reached.\n\nOne of the suspended measures is an amendment to Iraq\u2019s personal status law, which grants Islamic courts greater authority over family matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.\n\nWomen\u2019s rights activists have warned that the changes threaten to dismantle previous legal reforms that introduced a unified family code and offered protections for women.\n\nThe advocates of the amendment, most of them conservative Shia lawmakers, argue that it aligns Iraq\u2019s legal system with Islamic principles and curbs what they see as excessive Western influence.\n\nEarlier drafts of the bill had raised alarm over the possibility of legalising child marriage, as some interpretations of Islamic law permit girls to marry in their early teens \u2014 or even as young as nine.\n\nThe final version passed by parliament states that both spouses must be \u201cadults\u201d, but does not define the legal age of adulthood.\n\nThe second contested law is a general amnesty bill that could lead to the release of Sunni detainees. Supporters claim it offers justice to those unjustly imprisoned, but critics fear it may allow individuals convicted of corruption, embezzlement, or even war crimes to walk free.\n\nThe third suspended measure seeks to return land confiscated from the Kurdish population during Saddam Hussein\u2019s rule.\n\nWhile Kurds support the law as a means of rectifying historical injustices, some Arab factions oppose it, arguing it could result in the displacement of Arab communities.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Iraq\u2019s highest court has temporarily suspended the enforcement of three contentious laws passed by parliament last month, including a measure that activists argue erodes women\u2019s rights.<\/p>\n<p>The Federal Supreme Court issued a ruling on Tuesday stopping the implementation of the bills pending a legal challenge over the parliamentary voting process.<\/p>\n<p>A group of lawmakers contested the validity of the vote, arguing that the bills \u2014 each backed by different political factions \u2014 were inappropriately passed together instead of being debated and approved individually.<\/p>\n<p>A copy of the court's order obtained by the Associated Press confirms that the laws will remain on hold until a final verdict is reached.<\/p>\n<p>One of the suspended measures is an amendment to Iraq\u2019s personal status law, which grants Islamic courts greater authority over family matters such as marriage, divorce, and inheritance.<\/p>\n<p>Women\u2019s rights activists have warned that the changes threaten to dismantle previous legal reforms that introduced a unified family code and offered protections for women.<\/p>\n<p>The advocates of the amendment, most of them conservative Shia lawmakers, argue that it aligns Iraq\u2019s legal system with Islamic principles and curbs what they see as excessive Western influence.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"6038466,5992842\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2021//09//08//afghanistan-eu-urged-not-to-turn-blind-eye-on-women-s-rights-under-taliban/">MEPs discuss women's rights in Afghanistan after Taliban takeover<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2021//08//17//taliban-announce-general-amnesty-urging-people-to-return-to-routine-life/">Taliban pledge to respect women's rights 'within Islamic law'<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Earlier drafts of the bill had raised alarm over the possibility of legalising child marriage, as some interpretations of Islamic law permit girls to marry in their early teens \u2014 or even as young as nine.<\/p>\n<p>The final version passed by parliament states that both spouses must be \u201cadults\u201d, but does not define the legal age of adulthood.<\/p>\n<p>The second contested law is a general amnesty bill that could lead to the release of Sunni detainees. Supporters claim it offers justice to those unjustly imprisoned, but critics fear it may allow individuals convicted of corruption, embezzlement, or even war crimes to walk free.<\/p>\n<p>The third suspended measure seeks to return land confiscated from the Kurdish population during Saddam Hussein\u2019s rule.<\/p>\n<p>While Kurds support the law as a means of rectifying historical injustices, some Arab factions oppose it, arguing it could result in the displacement of Arab communities.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1738758910,"updatedAt":1738762066,"publishedAt":1738760945,"firstPublishedAt":1738760945,"lastPublishedAt":1738760945,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/03\/27\/54\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d6750c8a-eca5-5f2e-b234-972060243828-9032754.jpg","altText":"FILE - Protesters gather to demonstrate against a proposed law to permit underage female marriage in Tahrir Square in Baghdad, Iraq, 8 August, 2024. ","caption":"FILE - Protesters gather to demonstrate against a proposed law to permit underage female marriage in Tahrir Square in Baghdad, Iraq, 8 August, 2024. ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Hadi Mizban, File","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3252,"urlSafeValue":"al-yahyai","title":"Oman Al Yahyai","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":4625,"slug":"women-s-rights","urlSafeValue":"women-s-rights","title":"Women's rights","titleRaw":"Women's rights"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":16056,"slug":"supreme-court","urlSafeValue":"supreme-court","title":"Supreme Court","titleRaw":"Supreme Court"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2219414},{"id":1704428},{"id":1476696}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84061001","84062001","84111001","84112004","84121001","84122001","84181001","84182008","84211001","84212006","84212008"],"slugs":["family_and_parenting","family_and_parenting_general","law_gov_t_and_politics_legal_issues","law_government_and_politics","news","news_general","religion_and_spirituality","religion_and_spirituality_islam","society","society_marriage","society_teens"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet-web","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/02\/05\/iraqs-supreme-court-freezes-controversial-laws-on-womens-rights-detainees-and-land-dispute","lastModified":1738760945},{"id":2705618,"cid":8917384,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"241217_NWSU_57301443","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"POPE PLOT IRAQ","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Pope Francis reveals he was target of suicide bombing plot during 2021 Iraq visit ","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Pope Francis reveals suicide bomb plot against him in Iraq in 2021","titleListing2":"Pope Francis reveals two bomb plots planned against him in Iraq in 2021","leadin":"In his upcoming autobiography, the pontiff said that two suicide bombers were killed by Iraqi police before they could carry out their planned attacks.","summary":"In his upcoming autobiography, the pontiff said that two suicide bombers were killed by Iraqi police before they could carry out their planned attacks.","keySentence":"","url":"pope-francis-reveals-he-was-target-of-suicide-bombing-plot-during-2021-iraq-visit","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/12\/17\/pope-francis-reveals-he-was-target-of-suicide-bombing-plot-during-2021-iraq-visit","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Pope Francis was the target of a suicide bombing plot in Iraq in 2021 that was foiled with the help of British intelligence, the pontiff has revealed in his autobiography. \n\nTo mark his 88th birthday on Tuesday, the Italian daily Corriere della Sera ran excerpts from the Pope\u2019s upcoming book, \"Hope\", which included details about the planned attack.\n\nAs Francis arrived in Iraq in March 2021, British spies told Iraqi police that a woman strapped with explosives was on her way to Mosul to carry out an attack against him, the pontiff wrote. \n\nThe intelligence officers also said that \"a truck was heading there fast with the same intention,\" according to the book.\n\nFrancis' trip to the northern Iraqi city, which had only been liberated from ISIS four years earlier, went ahead with tightened security. \n\nFrancis, who became the first pope to ever visit Iraq, said that he later asked his Vatican security detail what had happened to the suicide bombers. \n\n\"The commander replied laconically, 'They're no longer here,'\" Francis wrote. \"Iraqi police had intercepted them and made them explode. This struck me as well: Even this is the poisonous fruit of war.\"\n\nThere were concerns ahead of Francis' visit because of the security situation in Iraq and the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he insisted on going to what he called the \"cradle of civilisation\".\n\n\"I come among you as a pilgrim of peace, to repeat \u2018you are all brothers,'\" the Pope told Iraqis in a video message ahead of his visit. \n\nIn Iraq, the pontiff urged Iraqi Christians, who used to be a sizable minority in the country, to forgive the injustices committed against them by Muslim extremists. \n\nFrancis also met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a leading Shia cleric, who promised Iraqi Christians that peaceful coexistence was possible. \n\nThe pope's book, which was written with the Italian author Carlo Musso, will be published in January. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Pope Francis was the target of a suicide bombing plot in Iraq in 2021 that was foiled with the help of British intelligence, the pontiff has revealed in his autobiography. <\/p>\n<p>To mark his 88th birthday on Tuesday, the Italian daily Corriere della Sera ran excerpts from the Pope\u2019s upcoming book, \"Hope\", which included details about the planned attack.<\/p>\n<p>As Francis arrived in Iraq in March 2021, British spies told Iraqi police that a woman strapped with explosives was on her way to Mosul to carry out an attack against him, the pontiff wrote. <\/p>\n<p>The intelligence officers also said that \"a truck was heading there fast with the same intention,\" according to the book.<\/p>\n<p>Francis' trip to the northern Iraqi city, which had only been liberated from ISIS four years earlier, went ahead with tightened security. <\/p>\n<p>Francis, who became the first pope to ever visit Iraq, said that he later asked his Vatican security detail what had happened to the suicide bombers. <\/p>\n<p>\"The commander replied laconically, 'They're no longer here,'\" Francis wrote. \"Iraqi police had intercepted them and made them explode. This struck me as well: Even this is the poisonous fruit of war.\"<\/p>\n<p>There were concerns ahead of Francis' visit because of the security situation in Iraq and the Covid-19 pandemic. However, he insisted on going to what he called the \"cradle of civilisation\".<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"8916470,8912148\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//my-europe//2024//12//15//pope-francis-visits-french-island-of-corsica-for-first-time/">Francis becomes the first pope to visit the French island of Corsica<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//12//17//why-you-shouldnt-care-about-madonnas-ai-pope-images/">Why you shouldn't care about Madonna's AI Pope images<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>\"I come among you as a pilgrim of peace, to repeat \u2018you are all brothers,'\" the Pope told Iraqis in a video message ahead of his visit. <\/p>\n<p>In Iraq, the pontiff urged Iraqi Christians, who used to be a sizable minority in the country, to forgive the injustices committed against them by Muslim extremists. <\/p>\n<p>Francis also met with Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, a leading Shia cleric, who promised Iraqi Christians that peaceful coexistence was possible. <\/p>\n<p>The pope's book, which was written with the Italian author Carlo Musso, will be published in January. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1734452404,"updatedAt":1734464838,"publishedAt":1734453938,"firstPublishedAt":1734453938,"lastPublishedAt":1734453938,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/91\/73\/84\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a12b15e1-28d7-5cdc-ba31-e5c7031c18f6-8917384.jpg","altText":"Pope Francis prays for victims of war in Mosul, Iraq, on 7 March, 2024. ","caption":"Pope Francis prays for victims of war in Mosul, Iraq, on 7 March, 2024. ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Andrew Medichini\/Copyright 2021 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4786,"height":2692}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3272,"urlSafeValue":"sullivan","title":"Rory Sullivan","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":11574,"slug":"pope-francis","urlSafeValue":"pope-francis","title":"Pope Francis","titleRaw":"Pope Francis"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":3898,"slug":"mosul","urlSafeValue":"mosul","title":"Mosul","titleRaw":"Mosul"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2651972},{"id":2711092}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":["84031001","84032002","84091001","84092030"],"slugs":["business","business_advertising","hobbies_and_interests","hobbies_and_interests_social_networking"]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2024\/12\/17\/pope-francis-reveals-he-was-target-of-suicide-bombing-plot-during-2021-iraq-visit","lastModified":1734453938},{"id":2628512,"cid":8721952,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240911_NWSU_56484832","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"IRAN PRESIDENT FIRST TRIP TO IRAQ","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Iran's Pezeshkian seeks to cement ties in Iraq on his first trip abroad as president","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Iran's Pezeshkian seeks stronger Iraq ties on first trip as president","titleListing2":"Iran's Pezeshkian seeks to cement ties in Iraq on his first trip abroad as president","leadin":"Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, sworn in last July, has made his first official visit abroad to Iraq, seeking to bolster ties amid growing regional tensions.","summary":"Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, sworn in last July, has made his first official visit abroad to Iraq, seeking to bolster ties amid growing regional tensions.","keySentence":"","url":"irans-pezeshkian-seeks-to-cement-ties-in-iraq-on-his-first-trip-abroad-as-president","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/09\/11\/irans-pezeshkian-seeks-to-cement-ties-in-iraq-on-his-first-trip-abroad-as-president","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Iran\u2019s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian kicked off his first trip abroad as president with a visit to Iraq, hoping to tighten ties between Baghdad and Tehran as regional tensions escalate. \u00a0\n\nIran\u2019s relationship with Iraq is crucial for economic, political and religious reasons \u2014 something especially true since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 toppled Saddam Hussein, who launched a war against Iran in the 1980s.\u00a0\n\nBaghdad has been trying to balance its relationship with both Iran and the US.\u00a0\n\nTehran backs powerful Shiite militias in Iraq, while the US maintains a force of 2,500 troops that remain in battle with remnants of the Islamic State group in the country.\u00a0\n\nThe American troops are both a literal and rhetoric target for Iran, particularly as Israel\u2019s nearly year-old war on Hamas in the Gaza strip grinds on.\u00a0\n\nAhead of Pezeshkian\u2019s arrival, an explosion struck a site near Baghdad International Airport used by the US military.\u00a0\n\nThere were no reported causalities, and the circumstances of the explosion were unclear.\u00a0\n\nDuring his trip, Pezeshkian is also due to visit Shiite shrines in the cities of Karbala and Najaf, a railroad project in southern Iraq and the capital of the semiautonomous northern Kurdish region, Erbil.\n\nPezeshkian was sworn in as Iran\u2019s new president in July.\u00a0\n\n\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Iran\u2019s reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian kicked off his first trip abroad as president with a visit to Iraq, hoping to tighten ties between Baghdad and Tehran as regional tensions escalate. \u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Iran\u2019s relationship with Iraq is crucial for economic, political and religious reasons \u2014 something especially true since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 toppled Saddam Hussein, who launched a war against Iran in the 1980s.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Baghdad has been trying to balance its relationship with both Iran and the US.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Tehran backs powerful Shiite militias in Iraq, while the US maintains a force of 2,500 troops that remain in battle with remnants of the Islamic State group in the country.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>The American troops are both a literal and rhetoric target for Iran, particularly as Israel\u2019s nearly year-old war on Hamas in the Gaza strip <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//09//11//israeli-airstrikes-kill-dozens-on-palestinian-territories/">grinds on<\/strong><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"8721210\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//09//11//israeli-airstrikes-kill-dozens-on-palestinian-territories/">At least 25 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza and West Bank<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Ahead of Pezeshkian\u2019s arrival, an explosion struck a site near Baghdad International Airport used by the US military.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>There were no reported causalities, and the circumstances of the explosion were unclear.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>During his trip, Pezeshkian is also due to visit Shiite shrines in the cities of Karbala and Najaf, a railroad project in southern Iraq and the capital of the semiautonomous northern Kurdish region, Erbil.<\/p>\n<p>Pezeshkian was <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//07//07//irans-new-reformist-president-masoud-pezeshkian-delivers-first-speech/">sworn in<\/strong><\/a> as Iran\u2019s new president in July.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1726058389,"updatedAt":1726062492,"publishedAt":1726061245,"firstPublishedAt":1726061245,"lastPublishedAt":1726061245,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/72\/17\/34\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_9130fcb9-3813-5f4b-9843-9f44675443c0-8721734.jpg","altText":"Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, center left, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, center right, meet at the government palace in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Se","caption":"Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, center left, and Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, center right, meet at the government palace in Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Se","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Ahmed Jalil\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":26522,"slug":"iran-iraq","urlSafeValue":"iran-iraq","title":"Iran & Iraq","titleRaw":"Iran & Iraq"},{"id":29760,"slug":"irans-attack-on-israel","urlSafeValue":"irans-attack-on-israel","title":"Iran's attack on Israel","titleRaw":"Iran's attack on Israel"},{"id":102,"slug":"eu-iraq","urlSafeValue":"eu-iraq","title":"EU-Iraq","titleRaw":"EU-Iraq"},{"id":29956,"slug":"massoud-pezeshkian","urlSafeValue":"massoud-pezeshkian","title":"Massoud Pezeshkian","titleRaw":"Massoud Pezeshkian"},{"id":25738,"slug":"diplomatic-relation","urlSafeValue":"diplomatic-relation","title":"diplomatic relation","titleRaw":"diplomatic relation"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2625802},{"id":2622742},{"id":2630832}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"lg-2k-zqc-k","dailymotionId":"x95hoi2"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/09\/11\/en\/240911_NWSU_56484832_56484858_70200_154220_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":70200,"filesizeBytes":9278816,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/09\/11\/en\/240911_NWSU_56484832_56484858_70200_154220_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":70200,"filesizeBytes":13913952,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/09\/11\/en\/240911_NWSU_56484832_56484858_70200_154221_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":70200,"filesizeBytes":45742944,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'neg_mobkoi_castrol','gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gb_safe_from_high','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','gs_science_geography','gs_science','neg_citi_campaign','neg_meta_oct23_eng','neg_facebook_q4','gs_politics','neg_tiktok_q1_2024_eng','shadow9hu7_pos_ukrainecrisis','neg_audi_list2','gv_military','gv_terrorism','gs_politics_issues_policy','gs_politics_misc','gs_war_conflict','gv_death_injury'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2024\/09\/11\/irans-pezeshkian-seeks-to-cement-ties-in-iraq-on-his-first-trip-abroad-as-president","lastModified":1726061245},{"id":2607682,"cid":8651410,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240814_C2SU_56272632","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"CULTURE - Babylonian tablets solved","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"'A king will die': Researchers decipher 4,000-year-old Babylonian tablets predicting doom ","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Researchers decipher 4,000-year-old Babylonian tablets predicting doom","titleListing2":"'A king will die': Mystery behind 4,000-year-old Babylonian tablets finally deciphered","leadin":"Ancient tablets acquired by the British Museum decades ago have finally been deciphered - and they weren\u2019t exactly good news for kings.","summary":"Ancient tablets acquired by the British Museum decades ago have finally been deciphered - and they weren\u2019t exactly good news for kings.","keySentence":"","url":"a-king-will-die-researchers-decipher-4000-year-old-babylonian-tablets-predicting-doom","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2024\/08\/14\/a-king-will-die-researchers-decipher-4000-year-old-babylonian-tablets-predicting-doom","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A team of researchers have successfully decoded 4,000-year-old writings on ancient Babylonian cuneiform tablets that had remained untranslated for over a century.\n\nThe latest research focused on four tablets from the British Museum\u2019s collection, origin dating back to around 1200 BC from the ancient city of Sippar in what is now modern-day Iraq. \n\nPublished in the Journal of Cuneiform Studies, the newly deciphered texts reveal that the Babylonians viewed lunar eclipses not just as celestial events but as ominous signs of death and destruction. \n\nOne tablet notes that \u201can eclipse in the morning watch\u201d means \u201cthe end of a dynasty.\u201d \n\nAnother warns, \u201cIf an eclipse becomes obscured from its centre all at once and clear all at once: a king will die, destruction of Elam.\" \n\nThe writings would have been written by astrologers from the Mesopotamian civilisation and now represent the oldest known records of lunar eclipse omens.\n\n\u201cOmens arising from lunar eclipses were of great importance for good statecraft and well-counseled government,\u201d researchers wrote in a paper recently published in the Journal of Cuneiform Studies.\n\n\u201cIn later periods there is ample evidence to show that astrological observation was part of an elaborate method of protecting the king and regulating his behavior in conformity with the wishes of the gods.\u201d\n\nFortunately for the kings, there were methods to counter these omens, including consulting oracles - experts who would examine animal entrails - and carrying out the prescribed rituals.\n\nWho were the Babylonians? \n\nThe Babylonians were an ancient Akkadian-speaking civilisation that flourished in Mesopotamia, a region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria and Iran. \n\nThey left a huge mark on the course of human history, with important contributions to science, agriculture, literature and law. For example, their base-60 number system is still used in measuring time and angles today and they produced some of the earliest literature, including the Epic of Gilgamesh. \n\nStarting out as a modest city-state in the late third millennium BCE, Babylon rose to prominence under the rule of King Hammurabi (c. 1792\u20131750 BCE), whose brutal approach to justice and legal code remains one of the earliest and most complete in history. \n\nHis strict laws were inscribed on a large stone stele, which originally stood about 2.25 metres (7.5 feet) tall and is now housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.\n\nThe Hammurabi code of laws features 282 rules, each outlining specific punishments. For a taste of its harshness, here are a few examples:\n\nLaw 21: \"If any one break a hole into a house (break in to steal), he shall be put to death before that hole and be buried.\"\n\nLaw 157: \"If any one be guilty of incest with his mother after his father, both shall be burned.\" \n\nLaw 196: \u201cIf a man destroy the eye of another man, they shall destroy his eye. If one break a man's bone, they shall break his bone.\" \n\nPerhaps one of the most well-known features of Babylon was the Hanging Gardens, often listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. \n\nThe gardens are thought to have been located near the royal palace in Babylon and were described as a remarkable feat of engineering with an ascending series of tiered gardens containing a wide variety of trees and vines. \n\nTraditionally, it is believed that the gardens were created by Queen Sammu-ramat, who ruled from 810 to 783 or by King Nebuchadrezzar II, who supposedly commissioned them to comfort his wife Amytis, who longed for the mountains of her homeland.\n\nHowever, despite extensive archaeological work in Babylon and surrounding areas, no definitive evidence of the Hanging Gardens has been found, leading many to believe that they might be a thing of myth.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>A team of researchers have successfully decoded 4,000-year-old writings on ancient Babylonian cuneiform tablets that had remained untranslated for over a century.<\/p>\n<p>The latest research focused on four tablets from the British Museum\u2019s collection, origin dating back to around 1200 BC from the ancient city of Sippar in what is now modern-day Iraq. <\/p>\n<p>Published in the Journal of Cuneiform Studies,* the newly deciphered texts reveal that the Babylonians viewed lunar eclipses not just as celestial events but as ominous signs of death and destruction. <\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"8647692,7922948\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//08//12//pompeii-archaeologists-uncover-tragic-final-moments-of-two-victims-of-mount-vesuvius-erupt/">Pompeii archaeologists uncover tragic final moments of two victims of Mount Vesuvius eruption<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2023//09//27//culture-re-view-how-the-rosetta-stone-unlocked-the-secrets-of-egyptian-hieroglyphics/">Culture Re-View: How the Rosetta Stone unlocked the secrets of Egyptian Hieroglyphics<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//65//14//10//808x454_cmsv2_a26dd320-002e-5e03-8cb9-7be52288651b-8651410.jpg/" alt=\"Clay cuneiform tablet with lunar eclipse table for 609-447 BC\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/384x216_cmsv2_a26dd320-002e-5e03-8cb9-7be52288651b-8651410.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/640x360_cmsv2_a26dd320-002e-5e03-8cb9-7be52288651b-8651410.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/750x422_cmsv2_a26dd320-002e-5e03-8cb9-7be52288651b-8651410.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/828x466_cmsv2_a26dd320-002e-5e03-8cb9-7be52288651b-8651410.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/1080x608_cmsv2_a26dd320-002e-5e03-8cb9-7be52288651b-8651410.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/1200x675_cmsv2_a26dd320-002e-5e03-8cb9-7be52288651b-8651410.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/1920x1080_cmsv2_a26dd320-002e-5e03-8cb9-7be52288651b-8651410.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Clay cuneiform tablet with lunar eclipse table for 609-447 BC<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Credit: Trustees of British Museum <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>One tablet notes that \u201can eclipse in the morning watch\u201d means \u201cthe end of a dynasty.\u201d <\/p>\n<p>Another warns, \u201cIf an eclipse becomes obscured from its centre all at once and clear all at once: a king will die, destruction of Elam.\" <\/p>\n<p>The writings would have been written by astrologers from the Mesopotamian civilisation and now represent the oldest known records of lunar eclipse omens.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOmens arising from lunar eclipses were of great importance for good statecraft and well-counseled government,\u201d researchers wrote in a paper recently published in the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.journals.uchicago.edu//doi//epdf//10.1086//730483/" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer\"><strong>Journal of Cuneiform Studies<\/strong><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p>\u201cIn later periods there is ample evidence to show that astrological observation was part of an elaborate method of protecting the king and regulating his behavior in conformity with the wishes of the gods.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Fortunately for the kings, there were methods to counter these omens, including consulting oracles - experts who would examine animal entrails - and carrying out the prescribed rituals.<\/p>\n<h2>Who were the Babylonians?<\/h2>\n<p>The Babylonians were an ancient Akkadian-speaking civilisation that flourished in Mesopotamia, a region located between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in modern-day Iraq and parts of Syria and Iran. <\/p>\n<p>They left a huge mark on the course of human history, with important contributions to science, agriculture, literature and law. For example, their base-60 number system is still used in measuring time and angles today and they produced some of the earliest literature, including the Epic of Gilgamesh. <\/p>\n<p>Starting out as a modest city-state in the late third millennium BCE, Babylon rose to prominence under the rule of King Hammurabi (c. 1792\u20131750 BCE), whose brutal approach to justice and legal code remains one of the earliest and most complete in history. <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.666875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//65//14//10//808x539_cmsv2_8d6aba43-865f-516c-ae0e-81891e4239ef-8651410.jpg/" alt=\"The top of the Code of Hammurabi stele, featuring an image of Hammurabi with Shamash, the Babylonian sun god and god of justice.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/384x256_cmsv2_8d6aba43-865f-516c-ae0e-81891e4239ef-8651410.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/640x427_cmsv2_8d6aba43-865f-516c-ae0e-81891e4239ef-8651410.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/750x500_cmsv2_8d6aba43-865f-516c-ae0e-81891e4239ef-8651410.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/828x552_cmsv2_8d6aba43-865f-516c-ae0e-81891e4239ef-8651410.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/1080x720_cmsv2_8d6aba43-865f-516c-ae0e-81891e4239ef-8651410.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/1200x800_cmsv2_8d6aba43-865f-516c-ae0e-81891e4239ef-8651410.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/1920x1280_cmsv2_8d6aba43-865f-516c-ae0e-81891e4239ef-8651410.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The top of the Code of Hammurabi stele, featuring an image of Hammurabi with Shamash, the Babylonian sun god and god of justice.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Credit: Wikimedia Commons <\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>His strict laws were inscribed on a large stone stele, which originally stood about 2.25 metres (7.5 feet) tall and is now housed in the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//culture//2024//05//03//yoga-among-masterpieces-paris-louvre-opens-its-galleries-for-sweaty-olympic-style-workouts/">Louvre Museum<\/strong><\/a> in Paris.<\/p>\n<p>The Hammurabi code of laws features 282 rules, each outlining specific punishments. For a taste of its harshness, here are a few examples:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Law 21:<\/strong> \"If any one break a hole into a house (break in to steal), he shall be put to death before that hole and be buried.\"<\/p>\n<p><strong>Law 157:<\/strong> \"If any one be guilty of incest with his mother after his father, both shall be burned.\" <\/p>\n<p><strong>Law 196:<\/strong> \u201cIf a man destroy the eye of another man, they shall destroy his eye. If one break a man's bone, they shall break his bone.\" <\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.5625\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//65//14//10//808x454_cmsv2_fadb5f95-202a-53d3-bb5d-5db316ed4204-8651410.jpg/" alt=\"The famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon, depicted in this 19th-century illustration.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/384x216_cmsv2_fadb5f95-202a-53d3-bb5d-5db316ed4204-8651410.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/640x360_cmsv2_fadb5f95-202a-53d3-bb5d-5db316ed4204-8651410.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/750x422_cmsv2_fadb5f95-202a-53d3-bb5d-5db316ed4204-8651410.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/828x466_cmsv2_fadb5f95-202a-53d3-bb5d-5db316ed4204-8651410.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/1080x608_cmsv2_fadb5f95-202a-53d3-bb5d-5db316ed4204-8651410.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/1200x675_cmsv2_fadb5f95-202a-53d3-bb5d-5db316ed4204-8651410.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/1920x1080_cmsv2_fadb5f95-202a-53d3-bb5d-5db316ed4204-8651410.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">The famed Hanging Gardens of Babylon, depicted in this 19th-century illustration.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Credit: North Wind Picture<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Perhaps one of the most well-known features of Babylon was the Hanging Gardens, often listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. <\/p>\n<p>The gardens are thought to have been located near the royal palace in Babylon and were described as a remarkable feat of engineering with an ascending series of tiered gardens containing a wide variety of trees and vines. <\/p>\n<p>Traditionally, it is believed that the gardens were created by Queen Sammu-ramat, who ruled from 810 to 783 or by King Nebuchadrezzar II, who supposedly commissioned them to comfort his wife Amytis, who longed for the mountains of her homeland.<\/p>\n<p>However, despite extensive archaeological work in Babylon and surrounding areas, no definitive evidence of the Hanging Gardens has been found, leading many to believe that they might be a thing of myth.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1723622577,"updatedAt":1723649204,"publishedAt":1723627657,"firstPublishedAt":1723627657,"lastPublishedAt":1723643159,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d7a62042-bffd-5a70-891f-a53ede4b3323-8651410.jpg","altText":"Ancient Babylonian tablets from the British Museum have finally been deciphered.","caption":"Ancient Babylonian tablets from the British Museum have finally been deciphered.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Credit: British Museum\/Wikimedia Commons ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fadb5f95-202a-53d3-bb5d-5db316ed4204-8651410.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d7a62042-bffd-5a70-891f-a53ede4b3323-8651410.jpg","altText":"Ancient Babylonian tablets from the British Museum have finally been deciphered.","caption":"Ancient Babylonian tablets from the British Museum have finally been deciphered.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Credit: British Museum\/Wikimedia Commons ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_a26dd320-002e-5e03-8cb9-7be52288651b-8651410.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/65\/14\/10\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_8d6aba43-865f-516c-ae0e-81891e4239ef-8651410.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":null,"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"height":1067}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":2328,"urlSafeValue":"farrant","title":"Theo Farrant","twitter":"@theo_farrant"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":28756,"slug":"stone-tablet","urlSafeValue":"stone-tablet","title":"stone tablet","titleRaw":"stone tablet"},{"id":4162,"slug":"archaeology","urlSafeValue":"archaeology","title":"Archaeology","titleRaw":"Archaeology"},{"id":16548,"slug":"british-museum","urlSafeValue":"british-museum","title":"British Museum","titleRaw":"British Museum"},{"id":16916,"slug":"arkeolojik-kaz-","urlSafeValue":"arkeolojik-kaz-","title":"archaeological excavation","titleRaw":"archaeological excavation"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":3},{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2801800}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gs_science','gt_mixed','gs_science_misc','gs_attractions','gs_attractions_museums','gs_science_geography','neg_saudiaramco','gs_law','gs_law_misc','neg_bucherer','neg_intel_en','neg_citi_campaign','gs_entertain_arts'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/culture\/2024\/08\/14\/a-king-will-die-researchers-decipher-4000-year-old-babylonian-tablets-predicting-doom","lastModified":1723643159},{"id":2531598,"cid":8403974,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240429_NWSU_55413065","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"SHORT EU Iraq LGBTQ","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"EU denounces Iraqi law threatening LGBTQ+ community with prison","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"EU denounces Iraqi law threatening LGBTQ+ community with prison","titleListing2":"EU denounces Iraqi law threatening LGBTQ+ community with prison","leadin":"The law imposes 10 to 15-year prison sentences for same-sex relationships and lesser penalties for gender-transition procedures or advocacy for certain organisations.","summary":"The law imposes 10 to 15-year prison sentences for same-sex relationships and lesser penalties for gender-transition procedures or advocacy for certain organisations.","keySentence":"","url":"eu-denounces-iraqi-law-threatening-lgbtq-community-with-prison","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/04\/29\/eu-denounces-iraqi-law-threatening-lgbtq-community-with-prison","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The European Union has expressed concern in a recent statement after the Iraqi parliament passed new anti-LGBTQ+ legislation. \n\nThe EU External Action Office suggests that the new law not only goes against the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Iraq ratified in 1971, but also violates Iraq's own Constitution. \n\nThe controversial legislation imposes severe penalties, ranging from 10 to 15 years in prison for same-sex relationships, as well as lesser terms for gender-transition procedures or advocating for organisations deemed to \"promote sexual deviancy\". \n\nThe US State Department cautioned that this law might deter foreign investment, noting that \u201cinternational business coalitions have already indicated that such discrimination will harm business and economic growth\". \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The European Union has expressed concern in a recent statement after the Iraqi parliament passed new anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.<\/p>\n<p>The EU External Action Office suggests that the new law not only goes against the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Iraq ratified in 1971, but also violates Iraq&#039;s own Constitution.<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"5517888\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2021//04//01//twenty-years-since-the-first-gay-marriages-the-fight-for-rights-in-europe-goes-on/">Twenty years since the first gay marriages, the fight for rights in Europe goes on<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The controversial legislation imposes severe penalties, ranging from 10 to 15 years in prison for same-sex relationships, as well as lesser terms for gender-transition procedures or advocating for organisations deemed to \"promote sexual deviancy\".<\/p>\n<p>The US State Department cautioned that this law might deter foreign investment, noting that \u201cinternational business coalitions have already indicated that such discrimination will harm business and economic growth\".<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1714353165,"updatedAt":1723539856,"publishedAt":1714373657,"firstPublishedAt":1714373660,"lastPublishedAt":1714373660,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/39\/74\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fd65c222-850e-56cc-9ae8-b63fb1167c4f-8403974.jpg","altText":" Human rights groups and diplomats criticized a law that was quietly passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend.","caption":" Human rights groups and diplomats criticized a law that was quietly passed by the Iraqi parliament over the weekend.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Anmar Khalil\/Copyright 2022 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/40\/39\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_dca28a94-17e5-52c9-bd5d-9dfbfdffb107-8403976.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1060,"height":708}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":12842,"slug":"gay-marriage","urlSafeValue":"gay-marriage","title":"Gay marriage","titleRaw":"Gay marriage"},{"id":7920,"slug":"gay-rights","urlSafeValue":"gay-rights","title":"Gay rights","titleRaw":"Gay rights"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":102,"slug":"eu-iraq","urlSafeValue":"eu-iraq","title":"EU-Iraq","titleRaw":"EU-Iraq"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"related","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2481936}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"Sg02EW3G5e4","dailymotionId":"x8xmt5m"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/04\/29\/en\/240429_NWSU_55413065_55413877_35000_074716_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":35000,"filesizeBytes":4825338,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/04\/29\/en\/240429_NWSU_55413065_55413877_35000_074716_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":35000,"filesizeBytes":7217914,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/04\/29\/en\/240429_NWSU_55413065_55413877_35000_085506_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":35000,"filesizeBytes":21547770,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','gt_mixed','eu_brussels_politics_es','gs_law','gs_law_misc','gb_crime_edu','gb_crime_high_med_low'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2024\/04\/29\/eu-denounces-iraqi-law-threatening-lgbtq-community-with-prison","lastModified":1714373660},{"id":2519360,"cid":8366856,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240411_NCSU_55270566","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NC 1 EID IRAQ","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"WATCH: Children in Iraq celebrate Eid al-Fatr","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"WATCH: Children in Iraq celebrate Eid al-Fatr","titleListing2":"The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.","leadin":"The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.","summary":"The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.","keySentence":"","url":"watch-children-in-iraq-celebrate-eid-al-fatr","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/04\/11\/watch-children-in-iraq-celebrate-eid-al-fatr","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Iraq celebrated the end of Ramadan this Wednesday. \n\nDuring the day, children attended carnivals specially set up for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.\u00a0 \n\nThere they received gifts, money and other special treats. Families also visited their relatives and friends to exchange greetings and enjoy festive meals. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Iraq celebrated the end of Ramadan this Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p>During the day, children attended carnivals specially set up for the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>There they received gifts, money and other special treats. Families also visited their relatives and friends to exchange greetings and enjoy festive meals.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1712828811,"updatedAt":1723539856,"publishedAt":1712835456,"firstPublishedAt":1712835459,"lastPublishedAt":1712835459,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/36\/68\/56\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_84800e75-2c44-5f6c-af1c-78d0ab477b69-8366856.jpg","altText":"Children enjoy a ride during Eid al- Fitr celebrations, that marks the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in the Fadhil neighborhood or Baghdad, Iraq, Wedsnday.","caption":"Children enjoy a ride during Eid al- Fitr celebrations, that marks the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, in the Fadhil neighborhood or Baghdad, Iraq, Wedsnday.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Hadi Mizban\/Copyright 2019 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":687},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/36\/68\/56\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_547d650a-8f32-5d17-997a-ffe784af4bc5-8366856.jpg","altText":"Children buy colourful balloons after offering Eid al-Fitr prayers marking the end of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid, in New Delhi.","caption":"Children buy colourful balloons after offering Eid al-Fitr prayers marking the end of Ramadan at the Jama Masjid, in New Delhi.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Deepanshu Aggarwal\/Copyright 2023 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":709}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":15586,"slug":"eid-al-fitr","urlSafeValue":"eid-al-fitr","title":"Eid al-Fitr","titleRaw":"Eid al-Fitr"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"4l7W4rStJsM","dailymotionId":"x8wnej6"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NC\/SU\/24\/04\/11\/en\/240411_NCSU_55270566_55270665_60000_115333_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":7930187,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NC\/SU\/24\/04\/11\/en\/240411_NCSU_55270566_55270665_60000_115333_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":12389707,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/NC\/SU\/24\/04\/11\/en\/240411_NCSU_55270566_55270665_60000_133806_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":40642379,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"nocomment","urlSafeValue":"nocomment","title":"No Comment","online":1,"url":"\/nocomment"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'gv_safe','gb_safe','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_society','gs_society_religion','gs_seasevnt','gt_positive','gs_shopping','gs_event_eid','gs_seasevnt_eid','gt_positive_like','gs_shopping_misc','client_easports_sporting_gaming'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/video\/2024\/04\/11\/watch-children-in-iraq-celebrate-eid-al-fatr","lastModified":1712835459},{"id":2473500,"cid":8225572,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240208_NWSU_54747250","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"SHORT DRONE ATTACK BAGHDAD","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"US drone strike in Baghdad kills high-ranking militia leader linked to attacks on American troops","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"US drone strike in Baghdad kills high-ranking militia leader ","titleListing2":"US drone strike in Baghdad kills high-ranking militia leader linked to attacks on American troops","leadin":"It is the latest retaliatory move by American forces following an attack on a base in Jordan that killed three US soldiers last month.","summary":"It is the latest retaliatory move by American forces following an attack on a base in Jordan that killed three US soldiers last month.","keySentence":"","url":"us-drone-strike-in-baghdad-kills-high-ranking-militia-leader-linked-to-attacks-on-american","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/02\/08\/us-drone-strike-in-baghdad-kills-high-ranking-militia-leader-linked-to-attacks-on-american","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"A US drone strike hit a car in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad Wednesday night,\u00a0killing a senior member of\u00a0an Iran-backed militia said to be responsible for attacks on American troops in the Middle East. \n\nWissam Muhammad Sabir Al-Saadi was a high-ranking commander of\u00a0Kataib Hezbollah,\u00a0 and was responsible for \u201cdirectly planning and participating\u201d in violent actions against US military servicemembers and assets. He was the commander in charge of the group's operations in Syria. \n\nAl-Saadi's death was confirmed to the Associated Press by two officials with Iran-backed militias in Iraq, who spoke on condition of anonymity. \n\nThe Iraqi government condemned the attack, describing it as a 'hostile violation' of the country's sovereignty. There was no immediate comment from US officials. \n\nThe precision strike on a main thoroughfare in the Mashtal neighborhood\u00a0in eastern Baghdad was the latest retaliatory action by American forces following a drone attack that killed three US soldiers in Jordan last month. \n\nThe strike came days after the US military launched an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. \n\nThe US has blamed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a broad coalition of Iran-backed militias, for the attack in Jordan, and officials have said they suspect Kataib Hezbollah in particular of leading it. \n\nThe Islamic Resistance in Iraq has regularly claimed strikes on bases housing US troops in Iraq and Syria against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, saying that they are in retaliation for Washington's support of Israel. \n\nKataib Hezbollah issued a statement after the strike in Jordan saying it was suspending attacks on American troops to avoid \u201cembarrassing the Iraqi government\u201d, but other groups have vowed to continue fighting. \n\nOn Sunday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a base housing US troops in eastern Syria. The strike killed six fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led group allied with the US. \n\nThe latest surge of violence in the Middle East came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected terms proposed by Hamas for a hostage-release agreement that would lead to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, vowing to continue the war until \u201cabsolute victory.\u201d \n\n","htmlText":"<p>A US drone strike hit a car in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad Wednesday night,\u00a0killing a senior member of\u00a0an Iran-backed militia said to be responsible for attacks on American troops in the Middle East.<\/p>\n<p>Wissam Muhammad Sabir Al-Saadi was a high-ranking commander of\u00a0Kataib Hezbollah,\u00a0 and was responsible for \u201cdirectly planning and participating\u201d in violent actions against US military servicemembers and assets. He was the commander in charge of the group&#039;s operations in Syria.<\/p>\n<p>Al-Saadi&#039;s death was confirmed to the Associated Press by two officials with Iran-backed militias in Iraq, who spoke on condition of anonymity.<\/p>\n<p>The Iraqi government condemned the attack, describing it as a &#039;hostile violation&#039; of the country&#039;s sovereignty. There was no immediate comment from US officials.<\/p>\n<p>The precision strike on a main thoroughfare in the Mashtal neighborhood\u00a0in eastern Baghdad was the latest retaliatory action by American forces following a drone attack that killed three US soldiers in Jordan last month.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6630859375\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////static.euronews.com//articles//stories//08//22//55//72//808x535_cmsv2_0caddbdb-34b5-5bdd-a515-371b3837e9b6-8225572.jpg/" alt=\"Iraqis gather at the site of a burned vehicle targeted by a US drone strike in east Baghdad.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/72\/384x255_cmsv2_0caddbdb-34b5-5bdd-a515-371b3837e9b6-8225572.jpg 384w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/72\/640x424_cmsv2_0caddbdb-34b5-5bdd-a515-371b3837e9b6-8225572.jpg 640w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/72\/750x497_cmsv2_0caddbdb-34b5-5bdd-a515-371b3837e9b6-8225572.jpg 750w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/72\/828x549_cmsv2_0caddbdb-34b5-5bdd-a515-371b3837e9b6-8225572.jpg 828w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/72\/1080x716_cmsv2_0caddbdb-34b5-5bdd-a515-371b3837e9b6-8225572.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/72\/1200x796_cmsv2_0caddbdb-34b5-5bdd-a515-371b3837e9b6-8225572.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/72\/1920x1273_cmsv2_0caddbdb-34b5-5bdd-a515-371b3837e9b6-8225572.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">Iraqis gather at the site of a burned vehicle targeted by a US drone strike in east Baghdad.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Hadi Mizban\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The strike came days after the US military launched an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.<\/p>\n<p>The US has blamed the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a broad coalition of Iran-backed militias, for the attack in Jordan, and officials have said they suspect Kataib Hezbollah in particular of leading it.<\/p>\n<p>The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has regularly claimed strikes on bases housing US troops in Iraq and Syria against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, saying that they are in retaliation for Washington&#039;s support of Israel.<\/p>\n<p>Kataib Hezbollah issued a statement after the strike in Jordan saying it was suspending attacks on American troops to avoid \u201cembarrassing the Iraqi government\u201d, but other groups have vowed to continue fighting.<\/p>\n<p>On Sunday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq claimed responsibility for a drone attack on a base housing US troops in eastern Syria. The strike killed six fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces, a Kurdish-led group allied with the US.<\/p>\n<p>The latest surge of violence in the Middle East came shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected terms proposed by Hamas for a hostage-release agreement that would lead to a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, vowing to continue the war until \u201cabsolute victory.\u201d<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1707341584,"updatedAt":1723539856,"publishedAt":1707382938,"firstPublishedAt":1707382940,"lastPublishedAt":1707382940,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/72\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_92ffc834-1b8e-51fd-9239-95474c8e12d7-8225572.jpg","altText":"Civil defense members gather at the site of a burned vehicle targeted by a U.S. drone strike in east Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.","caption":"Civil defense members gather at the site of a burned vehicle targeted by a U.S. drone strike in east Baghdad, Iraq, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo\/Hadi Mizban","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4032,"height":2267},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/72\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0caddbdb-34b5-5bdd-a515-371b3837e9b6-8225572.jpg","altText":"Iraqis gather at the site of a burned vehicle targeted by a US drone strike in east Baghdad.","caption":"Iraqis gather at the site of a burned vehicle targeted by a US drone strike in east Baghdad.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Hadi Mizban\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":679},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/22\/55\/76\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0ca8f3ce-320d-55e7-85ca-7a3edca14fcc-8225576.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Hadi Mizban\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":4032,"height":3024}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":447,"slug":"usa","urlSafeValue":"usa","title":"USA","titleRaw":"USA"},{"id":12609,"slug":"drones","urlSafeValue":"drones","title":"Drones","titleRaw":"Drones"},{"id":9123,"slug":"hezbollah","urlSafeValue":"hezbollah","title":"Hezbollah","titleRaw":"Hezbollah"},{"id":7815,"slug":"attack","urlSafeValue":"attack","title":"Attack","titleRaw":"Attack"},{"id":16286,"slug":"iran-strike","urlSafeValue":"iran-strike","title":"Iran strike","titleRaw":"Iran strike"},{"id":27044,"slug":"milice","urlSafeValue":"milice","title":"militia","titleRaw":"militia"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2402496},{"id":2257304},{"id":2129468}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"W6JMXe9IvGo","dailymotionId":"x8sci3m"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/02\/08\/en\/240208_NWSU_54747250_54751076_35000_105541_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":35000,"filesizeBytes":4575592,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/02\/08\/en\/240208_NWSU_54747250_54751076_35000_105541_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":35000,"filesizeBytes":7037800,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/02\/08\/en\/240208_NWSU_54747250_54751076_35000_110159_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":35000,"filesizeBytes":22840168,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gv_military','gb_safe_from_high','gt_mixed'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2024\/02\/08\/us-drone-strike-in-baghdad-kills-high-ranking-militia-leader-linked-to-attacks-on-american","lastModified":1707382940},{"id":2469954,"cid":8214906,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240203_NWSU_54705858","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"MIDEAST WAR UPDATE","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"US missile barrage on targets in Iraq and Syria after US soldiers killed","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Air strikes hit targets in Iraq and Syria after US soldiers killed","leadin":"US military claimed 85 targets hit at seven locations after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan, allegedly by Iran-backed militias.","summary":"US military claimed 85 targets hit at seven locations after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan, allegedly by Iran-backed militias.","keySentence":"","url":"us-missile-barrage-on-targets-in-iraq-and-syria-after-us-soldiers-killed","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/02\/03\/us-missile-barrage-on-targets-in-iraq-and-syria-after-us-soldiers-killed","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The U.S. military launched an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Friday night, in the opening salvo of retaliation for the drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend. \n\nThe massive barrage of strikes hit more than 85 targets at seven locations, including command and control headquarters, intelligence centres, rockets and missiles, drone and ammunition storage sites and other facilities that were connected to the militias or the IRGC\u2019s Quds Force, the Guard\u2019s expeditionary unit that handles Tehran\u2019s relationship with and arming of regional militias. President Joe Biden made it clear in a statement that there will be more to come. \n\nThe Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed that 18 people were killed after 27 targets were hit. \n\nThe U.S. strikes appeared to stop short of directly targeting Iran or senior leaders of the Revolutionary Guard Quds Force within its borders, as the U.S. tries to prevent the conflict from escalating even further. Iran has denied it was behind the Jordan attack. \n\nIt was unclear what the impact will be of the strikes. Days of U.S. warnings may have sent militia members scattering into hiding. With multiple groups operating at various locations in several countries, a knockout blow is unlikely. \n\nThough one of the main Iran-backed militias, Kataib Hezbollah, said it was suspending attacks on American troops, others have vowed to continue fighting, casting themselves as champions of the Palestinian cause while the war in Gaza shows no sign of ending. \n\n\u201cOur response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing,\" Biden warned, adding, \u201clet all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.\u201d He and other top U.S. leaders had been saying for days that any American response wouldn't be just one hit but a \u201ctiered response\u201d over time. \n\nNational Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the targets \"were carefully selected to avoid civilian casualties and based on clear, irrefutable evidence that they were connected to attacks on U.S. personnel in the region.\u201d He declined to detail what that evidence was. \n\nSyrian state media reported that there were casualties but did not give a number. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 18 militants were killed in the Syria strikes. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The U.S. military launched an air assault on dozens of sites in Iraq and Syria used by Iranian-backed militias and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard on Friday night, in the opening salvo of retaliation for the drone strike that killed three U.S. troops in Jordan last weekend.<\/p>\n<p>The massive barrage of strikes hit more than 85 targets at seven locations, including command and control headquarters, intelligence centres, rockets and missiles, drone and ammunition storage sites and other facilities that were connected to the militias or the IRGC\u2019s Quds Force, the Guard\u2019s expeditionary unit that handles Tehran\u2019s relationship with and arming of regional militias. President Joe Biden made it clear in a statement that there will be more to come.<\/p>\n<p>The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights claimed that 18 people were killed after 27 targets were hit.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1753721414861881399\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The U.S. strikes appeared to stop short of directly targeting Iran or senior leaders of the Revolutionary Guard Quds Force within its borders, as the U.S. tries to prevent the conflict from escalating even further. Iran has denied it was behind the Jordan attack.<\/p>\n<p>It was unclear what the impact will be of the strikes. Days of U.S. warnings may have sent militia members scattering into hiding. With multiple groups operating at various locations in several countries, a knockout blow is unlikely.<\/p>\n<p>Though one of the main Iran-backed militias, Kataib Hezbollah, said it was suspending attacks on American troops, others have vowed to continue fighting, casting themselves as champions of the Palestinian cause while the war in Gaza shows no sign of ending.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cOur response began today. It will continue at times and places of our choosing,\" Biden warned, adding, \u201clet all those who might seek to do us harm know this: If you harm an American, we will respond.\u201d He and other top U.S. leaders had been saying for days that any American response wouldn&#039;t be just one hit but a \u201ctiered response\u201d over time.<\/p>\n<p>National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said the targets \"were carefully selected to avoid civilian casualties and based on clear, irrefutable evidence that they were connected to attacks on U.S. personnel in the region.\u201d He declined to detail what that evidence was.<\/p>\n<p>Syrian state media reported that there were casualties but did not give a number. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported that 18 militants were killed in the Syria strikes.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1706914906,"updatedAt":1723539856,"publishedAt":1706955357,"firstPublishedAt":1706955360,"lastPublishedAt":1706955360,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/09\/85\/28\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_4b97b7eb-1be0-5191-a695-7aa032a0d2c6-8098528.jpg","altText":"FILE US Department of Defence screenshot shows a 8 November, 2023, airstrike on a weapons warehouse centre in eastern Syria.","caption":"FILE US Department of Defence screenshot shows a 8 November, 2023, airstrike on a weapons warehouse centre in eastern Syria.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":571},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/20\/80\/46\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_e7d7ee96-911c-5188-a2ea-d058946dd55e-8208046.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Planet Labs PBC\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":8155,"slug":"syria","urlSafeValue":"syria","title":"Syria","titleRaw":"Syria"},{"id":447,"slug":"usa","urlSafeValue":"usa","title":"USA","titleRaw":"USA"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"twitter","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2455738},{"id":2511964}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"dailymotionId":"x8s3ot2"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/02\/03\/en\/240203_NWSU_54705858_54705885_60000_155446_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":38683382,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Associated Press","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gv_military','gt_negative','gt_negative_anger','gb_safe_from_high','gs_science','gs_science_geography'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2024\/02\/03\/us-missile-barrage-on-targets-in-iraq-and-syria-after-us-soldiers-killed","lastModified":1706955360},{"id":2465414,"cid":8200968,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240128_NWSU_54648368","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"SHORT Iraq USA Coalition Talks","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Iraq and US begin formal talks to end coalition formed to fight Islamic State","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Iraq and US begin talks to end coalition formed to fight Islamic State","titleListing2":"\ud83c\uddee\ud83c\uddf6 Iraq and US begin formal talks to end coalition formed to fight Islamic State","leadin":"The two nations have made the decision to open the dialogue as US forces in Iraq and Syria are targeted by Iran-backed militias since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.","summary":"The two nations have made the decision to open the dialogue as US forces in Iraq and Syria are targeted by Iran-backed militias since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.","keySentence":"","url":"iraq-and-us-begin-formal-talks-to-end-coalition-formed-to-fight-islamic-state","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/01\/28\/iraq-and-us-begin-formal-talks-to-end-coalition-formed-to-fight-islamic-state","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The United States and Iraq have held a first session of formal talks in Baghdad aimed at winding down the mission of the US-led military coalition formed to fight the Islamic State group in Iraq. \n\nIraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said in a statement that he had sponsored \u201cthe commencement of the first round of bilateral dialogue between Iraq and the United States of America to end the mission of the Coalition in Iraq.\" \n\nA statement released by the coalition said that working groups made up of Iraqi and coalition military officials will assess \u201cthe threat of Daesh (IS), operational and environmental requirements and Iraqi Security Force capabilities\" and a higher military commission will \u201cwork to set the conditions to transition the mission in Iraq.\u201d \n\nThe beginning of talks comes as US forces in Iraq and Syria have been regularly targeted by drone attacks launched by Iran-backed militias against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. \n\nThe US says plans to set up a committee to negotiate the terms of the mission\u2019s end were first discussed last year - and the timing isn't related to the attacks. \n\nWashington has had a continuous presence in Iraq since its 2003 invasion. Although all US combat forces left in 2011, thousands of troops returned in 2014 to help the government of Iraq defeat IS. \n\nSince the extremist group lost its hold on the territory it once seized, Iraqi officials have periodically called for a withdrawal of coalition forces, particularly in the wake of a US airstrike in January 2020 that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad airport. \n\nThe issue has surfaced again since Israel launched its major counteroffensive in Gaza following the 7 October Hamas-led attack in southern Israel. \n\nSince mid-October, a group of Iran-backed militias calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have launched regular attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, which the group said are in retaliation for Washington\u2019s support for Israel in the war in Gaza. \n\nThose estimated 2,500 US troops and the bases they serve on have drawn more than 150 missile and drone attacks fired by the militias. Scores of US personnel have been wounded, including some with traumatic brain injuries, during the attacks. \n\nThe US has struck militia targets in return, including some linked to the Popular Mobilisation Forces, a coalition of mainly Shiite, Iran-backed paramilitary groups that is officially under the control of the Iraqi military. But it largely operates on its own in practice. Iraqi officials have complained that the US strikes are a violation of Iraq's sovereignty. \n\nUS officials have said that talks about setting up a committee to decide on the framework for ending the coalition\u2019s mission were already underway before 7 October and the decision is unrelated to the attacks. \n\nThe Islamic Resistance in Iraq nevertheless took credit for the decision in a statement, saying that it \u201cproves that the Americans only understand the language of force.\u201d \n\nIt vowed to continue its attacks. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The United States and Iraq have held a first session of formal talks in Baghdad aimed at winding down the mission of the US-led military coalition formed to fight the Islamic State group in Iraq.<\/p>\n<p>Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani said in a statement that he had sponsored \u201cthe commencement of the first round of bilateral dialogue between Iraq and the United States of America to end the mission of the Coalition in Iraq.\"<\/p>\n<p>A statement released by the coalition said that working groups made up of Iraqi and coalition military officials will assess \u201cthe threat of Daesh (IS), operational and environmental requirements and Iraqi Security Force capabilities\" and a higher military commission will \u201cwork to set the conditions to transition the mission in Iraq.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The beginning of talks comes as US forces in Iraq and Syria have been regularly targeted by drone attacks launched by Iran-backed militias against the backdrop of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1744664734966657264\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>The US says plans to set up a committee to negotiate the terms of the mission\u2019s end were first discussed last year - and the timing isn&#039;t related to the attacks.<\/p>\n<p>Washington has had a continuous presence in Iraq since its 2003 invasion. Although all US combat forces left in 2011, thousands of troops returned in 2014 to help the government of Iraq defeat IS.<\/p>\n<p>Since the extremist group lost its hold on the territory it once seized, Iraqi officials have periodically called for a withdrawal of coalition forces, particularly in the wake of a US airstrike in January 2020 that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani and Iraqi militia leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis outside Baghdad airport.<\/p>\n<p>The issue has surfaced again since Israel launched its major counteroffensive in Gaza following the 7 October Hamas-led attack in southern Israel.<\/p>\n<p>Since mid-October, a group of Iran-backed militias calling itself the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have launched regular attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria, which the group said are in retaliation for Washington\u2019s support for Israel in the war in Gaza.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1742980797404000734\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Those estimated 2,500 US troops and the bases they serve on have drawn more than 150 missile and drone attacks fired by the militias. Scores of US personnel have been wounded, including some with traumatic brain injuries, during the attacks.<\/p>\n<p>The US has struck militia targets in return, including some linked to the Popular Mobilisation Forces, a coalition of mainly Shiite, Iran-backed paramilitary groups that is officially under the control of the Iraqi military. But it largely operates on its own in practice. Iraqi officials have complained that the US strikes are a violation of Iraq&#039;s sovereignty.<\/p>\n<p>US officials have said that talks about setting up a committee to decide on the framework for ending the coalition\u2019s mission were already underway before 7 October and the decision is unrelated to the attacks.<\/p>\n<p>The Islamic Resistance in Iraq nevertheless took credit for the decision in a statement, saying that it \u201cproves that the Americans only understand the language of force.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>It vowed to continue its attacks.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1706405914,"updatedAt":1723539856,"publishedAt":1706437966,"firstPublishedAt":1706437969,"lastPublishedAt":1706437969,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/20\/09\/68\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_6a38a1c9-e897-52a1-965f-67eeaa544e8a-8200968.jpg","altText":"Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani (R) and Major General Joel \"J.B.\" Vowell attend the first round of the negotiations between Iraq and the US in Baghdad on Saturday","caption":"Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al Sudani (R) and Major General Joel \"J.B.\" Vowell attend the first round of the negotiations between Iraq and the US in Baghdad on Saturday","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Hadi Mizban\/AP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":11808,"slug":"islamic-state-jihadist-group","urlSafeValue":"islamic-state-jihadist-group","title":"Islamic State Jihadist Group","titleRaw":"Islamic State Jihadist Group"},{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":274,"slug":"terrorism","urlSafeValue":"terrorism","title":"Terrorism","titleRaw":"Terrorism"},{"id":6005,"slug":"joe-biden","urlSafeValue":"joe-biden","title":"Joe Biden","titleRaw":"Joe Biden"},{"id":29226,"slug":"israel-hamas-war","urlSafeValue":"israel-hamas-war","title":"Israel Hamas war","titleRaw":"Israel Hamas war"},{"id":153,"slug":"iran","urlSafeValue":"iran","title":"Iran","titleRaw":"Iran"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"twitter","count":2}],"related":[{"id":2415110},{"id":2518474},{"id":2807782}],"technicalTags":[{"path":"euronews.byenglishwebteam"},{"path":"euronews"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"D8ARbVjd9pc","dailymotionId":"x8ruqxf"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/01\/28\/en\/240128_NWSU_54648368_54648397_37440_101851_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":37440,"filesizeBytes":4886178,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/01\/28\/en\/240128_NWSU_54648368_54648397_37440_101851_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":37440,"filesizeBytes":7388322,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/01\/28\/en\/240128_NWSU_54648368_54648397_37440_113328_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":37440,"filesizeBytes":23942306,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'gb_terrorism_high','gb_terrorism_high_med','gb_terrorism_high_med_low','gb_terrorism_serious','gv_terrorism','gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gv_military','gb_terrorism_edu','gb_terrorism_news-ent'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2024\/01\/28\/iraq-and-us-begin-formal-talks-to-end-coalition-formed-to-fight-islamic-state","lastModified":1706437969},{"id":2460680,"cid":8186158,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240121_NWSU_54582596","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"IRAQ US AIR BASE","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"US base in Iraq attacked after Iran vows revenge for Damascus attack","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"US base in Iraq attacked after Iran vows revenge for Damascus attack","titleListing2":"US base in Iraq attacked after Iran vows revenge for Damascus attack","leadin":"US Central Command said \"multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched\" at its Al-Assad based in western Iraq.","summary":"US Central Command said \"multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched\" at its Al-Assad based in western Iraq.","keySentence":"","url":"us-base-in-iraq-attacked-after-iran-vows-revenge-for-damascus-attack","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/01\/21\/us-base-in-iraq-attacked-after-iran-vows-revenge-for-damascus-attack","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The attack came just hours after Iran vowed revenge and blamed Israel for a deadly attack on a building housing its elite forces in the Syrian capital Damascus. \u200b\u200bThe Israeli strike targeted a meeting of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps. \n\nInitial accounts from security sources in Iraq had only reported rocket fire against the base on Saturday evening.\u00a0 \n\n\nAttacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria have increased since Israel\u2019s military offensive - which has been backed by Washington began in October. \n\nSince then, Israel has expanded its offensive on the Gaza Strip to target Iran-linked armed groups in Syria and Lebanon. \n\nC ENTCOM tweeted that \"a number of U.S. personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded.\" \n\n","htmlText":"<p>The attack came just hours after Iran vowed revenge and blamed Israel for a deadly attack on a building housing its elite forces in the Syrian capital Damascus. \u200b\u200bThe Israeli strike targeted a meeting of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps.<\/p>\n<p>Initial accounts from security sources in Iraq had only reported rocket fire against the base on Saturday evening.\u00a0 <\/p>\n<p>Attacks on US forces in Iraq and Syria have increased since Israel\u2019s military offensive - which has been backed by Washington began in October.<\/p>\n<p>Since then, Israel has expanded its offensive on the Gaza Strip to target Iran-linked armed groups in Syria and Lebanon.<\/p>\n<p>CENTCOM tweeted that \"a number of U.S. personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-tweet widget--size-fullwidth widget--align-center\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio\u2014auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <div class=\"widget__tweet\" data-tweet-id=\"1748831942299246640\"><\/div>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1705846634,"updatedAt":1723539856,"publishedAt":1705849167,"firstPublishedAt":1705849170,"lastPublishedAt":1705850391,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/18\/52\/30\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d63b0421-ae39-5121-afcd-ff85428ea7a3-8185230.jpg","altText":"A view of al-Asad air base in the western Anbar desert, Iraq","caption":"A view of al-Asad air base in the western Anbar desert, Iraq","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Nasser Nasser\/The AP\/File","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":689}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":2712,"urlSafeValue":"odonoghue","title":"Saskia O'Donoghue","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":21376,"slug":"military-base","urlSafeValue":"military-base","title":"military base","titleRaw":"military base"},{"id":29226,"slug":"israel-hamas-war","urlSafeValue":"israel-hamas-war","title":"Israel Hamas war","titleRaw":"Israel Hamas war"},{"id":5412,"slug":"benjamin-netanyahu","urlSafeValue":"benjamin-netanyahu","title":"Benjamin Netanyahu","titleRaw":"Benjamin Netanyahu"},{"id":10481,"slug":"american-army","urlSafeValue":"american-army","title":"American army","titleRaw":"American army"},{"id":6005,"slug":"joe-biden","urlSafeValue":"joe-biden","title":"Joe Biden","titleRaw":"Joe Biden"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"twitter","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2458894}],"technicalTags":[{"path":"euronews.byenglishwebteam"},{"path":"euronews"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"HXUXQ6R-OGo","dailymotionId":"x8rnx56"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/01\/21\/en\/240121_NWSU_54582596_54582655_35000_213801_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":35000,"filesizeBytes":4647784,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/01\/21\/en\/240121_NWSU_54582596_54582655_35000_213801_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":35000,"filesizeBytes":6572392,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/01\/21\/en\/240121_NWSU_54582596_54582655_35000_213802_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":35000,"filesizeBytes":20487528,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'neg_mobkoi_castrol','neg_nespresso','gb_safe_from_high','gb_safe_from_high_med','pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','gs_science','gs_science_geography','neg_facebook_q4','gb_death_injury_edu','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gv_death_injury','gt_negative','neg_meta_oct23_eng','gv_military','neg_facebook','gs_health','neg_mobkoi_feb2021','gt_negative_anger','gs_politics'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2024\/01\/21\/us-base-in-iraq-attacked-after-iran-vows-revenge-for-damascus-attack","lastModified":1705850391},{"id":2456768,"cid":8174002,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"240116_NWSU_54531142","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"IRAQ IRAN STRIKES","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Iraq recalls its ambassador from Tehran following Iranian airstrikes","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Iraq recalls its ambassador from Tehran following Iranian airstrikes","titleListing2":"Iraq recalls its ambassador from Tehran following Iranian airstrikes","leadin":"Kurdish officials say four civilians were killed and six others wounded in the Iranian missile attack in the city of Erbil.","summary":"Kurdish officials say four civilians were killed and six others wounded in the Iranian missile attack in the city of Erbil.","keySentence":"","url":"iraq-recalls-its-ambassador-from-tehran-following-iranian-airstrikes","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2024\/01\/16\/iraq-recalls-its-ambassador-from-tehran-following-iranian-airstrikes","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Iraq has recalled its ambassador from Tehran for consultations and summoned Iran\u2019s charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires in Baghdad on Tuesday in protest over Iranian strikes on its territory, the Iraqi foreign ministry reported. \n\nIran\u2019s Revolutionary Guards have said they fired missiles late on Monday at what they claimed were Israeli \u201cspy headquarters\u201d in the capital of Iraq\u2019s semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan. \n\nKurdish officials in the capital, Erbil, reported that four civilians were killed and six others were wounded in the airstrikes near the United States consulate compound in the city. \n\nBaghdad has described the attack as \u201ca blatant violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq\u201d. \n\nIt added that the strikes \u201cstrongly contradict the principles of good neighbourliness and international law, and threatens the security of the region\u201d. \n\nIran\u2019s Revolutionary Guards said they also fired missiles at targets in northern Syria linked to the extremist Islamic State group. \n\nThe strike came after Islamic State earlier this month claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings in Iran that targeted a ceremony commemorating the 2020 death of an Iranian general in a US drone strike. \n\nTehran said while it respected the territorial integrity of other countries, Monday\u2019s airstrikes in Erbil and Syria were launched in defence of its own sovereignty and security. \n\nThe United States strongly condemned what it described as \u201creckless missile strikes\u201d, saying they would \u201cundermine Iraq\u2019s stability\u201d. \n\nThe incident comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region with fears that the ongoing war in Gaza will spread across national borders. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>Iraq has recalled its ambassador from Tehran for consultations and summoned Iran\u2019s charg\u00e9 d\u2019affaires in Baghdad on Tuesday in protest over Iranian strikes on its territory, the Iraqi foreign ministry reported.<\/p>\n<p>Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guards have said they fired missiles late on Monday at what they claimed were Israeli \u201cspy headquarters\u201d in the capital of Iraq\u2019s semi-autonomous region of Kurdistan.<\/p>\n<p>Kurdish officials in the capital, Erbil, reported that four civilians were killed and six others were wounded in the airstrikes near the United States consulate compound in the city.<\/p>\n<p>Baghdad has described the attack as \u201ca blatant violation of the sovereignty of the Republic of Iraq\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>It added that the strikes \u201cstrongly contradict the principles of good neighbourliness and international law, and threatens the security of the region\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Iran\u2019s Revolutionary Guards said they also fired missiles at targets in northern Syria linked to the extremist Islamic State group.<\/p>\n<p>The strike came after Islamic State earlier this month claimed responsibility for two suicide bombings in Iran that targeted a ceremony commemorating the 2020 death of an Iranian general in a US drone strike.<\/p>\n<p>Tehran said while it respected the territorial integrity of other countries, Monday\u2019s airstrikes in Erbil and Syria were launched in defence of its own sovereignty and security.<\/p>\n<p>The United States strongly condemned what it described as \u201creckless missile strikes\u201d, saying they would \u201cundermine Iraq\u2019s stability\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The incident comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region with fears that the ongoing war in Gaza will spread across national borders.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1705395708,"updatedAt":1723539856,"publishedAt":1705418195,"firstPublishedAt":1705418202,"lastPublishedAt":1705418202,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/08\/17\/40\/08\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_6401c43e-5e93-5e94-ba82-eb66295a07f8-8174008.jpg","altText":"Erbil following airstrikes","caption":"Erbil following airstrikes","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP\/Rudaw TV","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":577}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":17100,"slug":"iran-devrim-muhaf-zlar-","urlSafeValue":"iran-devrim-muhaf-zlar-","title":"\u0130ranian Revolutionary Guards ","titleRaw":"\u0130ranian Revolutionary Guards "},{"id":8155,"slug":"syria","urlSafeValue":"syria","title":"Syria","titleRaw":"Syria"},{"id":274,"slug":"terrorism","urlSafeValue":"terrorism","title":"Terrorism","titleRaw":"Terrorism"},{"id":7984,"slug":"kurds","urlSafeValue":"kurds","title":"Kurds","titleRaw":"Kurds"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":984356},{"id":2460060},{"id":2464100}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"Gr5wJpDX_F8","dailymotionId":"x8rihn5"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/01\/16\/en\/240116_NWSU_54531142_54531171_60000_133751_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":7692558,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/01\/16\/en\/240116_NWSU_54531142_54531171_60000_133751_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":11397390,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/NW\/SU\/24\/01\/16\/en\/240116_NWSU_54531142_54531171_60000_161703_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":60000,"filesizeBytes":37562638,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'gv_military','gb_terrorism_edu','gb_terrorism_high_med','gb_terrorism_high_med_low','gb_terrorism_news-ent','gv_terrorism','gv_arms','gb_death_injury_edu','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gv_death_injury','gb_safe_from_high'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2024\/01\/16\/iraq-recalls-its-ambassador-from-tehran-following-iranian-airstrikes","lastModified":1705418202},{"id":2379792,"cid":7923780,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":"230927_NWSU_53242527","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"SHORT IRAQ 100 DIE IN WEDDING FIRE","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Fire at wedding in Northern Iraq kills more than 100 people ","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Fire at wedding in Northern Iraq kills more than 100 people ","titleListing2":"Fire at wedding in Northern Iraq kills more than 100 people ","leadin":"There was no official word on the cause of the blaze, but the Kurdish television news channel Rudaw aired footage showing fireworks shooting up from the floor of the event and setting a chandelier aflame.","summary":"There was no official word on the cause of the blaze, but the Kurdish television news channel Rudaw aired footage showing fireworks shooting up from the floor of the event and setting a chandelier aflame.","keySentence":"","url":"fire-at-wedding-in-northern-iraq-kills-more-than-100-people","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2023\/09\/27\/fire-at-wedding-in-northern-iraq-kills-more-than-100-people","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"At least nine people have been arrested following a fire at a Christian wedding in Iraq that claimed more than a hundred lives \n\nGeneral Saad Maan, of the Interior Ministry, told AFP nine employees were arrested and \u201cfour arrest warrants were issued against the owners\u201d of the wedding venue. \n\nA raging fire seemingly caused by fireworks set off to celebrate a wedding consumed a hall packed with guests in northern Iraq, killing at least 100 people and injuring 150 others as authorities warned Wednesday the death toll could still rise. \n\n\nAuthorities said that flammable building materials also contributed to the latest disaster to hit Iraq\u2019s dwindling Christian minority. The fire happened in the Hamdaniya area of Iraq\u2019s Nineveh province, authorities said. That's a predominantly Christian area just outside the city of Mosul, some 335 kilometres northwest of Baghdad. \n\nThere was no official word on the cause of the blaze, but the Kurdish television news channel Rudaw aired footage showing fireworks shooting up from the floor of the event and setting a chandelier aflame. \n\nIn the blaze\u2019s aftermath, only charred metal and debris could be seen as people walked through the scene of the fire, the only light coming from television cameras and the lights of onlookers\u2019 mobile phones. \n\nSurvivors arrived at local hospitals in bandages, receiving oxygen as their families milled through hallways and outside as workers organized more oxygen cylinders. Some of those burned included children. Ambulance sirens wailed for hours after the fire as paramedics brought out the injured. \n\nOther footage shown on other local television networks appeared to show the bride and groom on the dance floor when the fire began Tuesday night, stunned by the sight of the burning debris. It wasn\u2019t immediately clear if they were among those hurt. \n\nHealth officials in Nineveh province raised the death toll to 114, though federal officials did not immediately update their figure of at least 100 killed. Health Ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr put the number of injured at 150 in that earlier statement carried by the state-run Iraqi News Agency. \n\n\u201cAll efforts are being made to provide relief to those affected by the unfortunate accident,\u201d al-Badr said. \n\nAhmed Dubardani, a health official in the province, told Rudaw that many of those injured suffered serious burns. \n\n\u201cThe majority of them were completely burned and some others had 50 to 60% of their bodies burned,\" Dubardani said. \u201cThis is not good at all. The majority of them were not in good condition.\u201d \n\nInvestigation underway \n\nPrime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an investigation into the fire and asked the country's Interior and Health officials to provide relief, his office said in a statement online. \n\nNajim al-Jubouri, the provincial governor of Nineveh, said some of the injured had been transferred to regional hospitals. He cautioned there were no final casualty figures yet from the blaze, which suggests the death toll still may rise. \n\nHamdaniya is on Iraq's Nineveh Plains and under the control of its central government, though it is close to and claimed by Iraq's semiautonomous Kurdish regional government. Masrour Barzani, the prime minister of the Kurdish region, ordered hospitals there to also help those hurt in the blaze. \n\nFather Rudi Saffar Khoury, a priest at the wedding, said it was unclear who was to blame for the fire. \n\n\u201cIt could be a mistake by the event organizers or venue hosts, or maybe a technical error,\u201d Khoury told The Associated Press. \u201cIt was a disaster in every sense of the word.\u201d \n\nCivil defence officials quoted by the Iraqi News Agency described the wedding hall's exterior as decorated with highly flammable cladding that is illegal in the country. \n\n\u201cThe fire led to the collapse of parts of the hall as a result of the use of highly flammable, low-cost building materials that collapse within minutes when the fire breaks out,\u201d the civil defence said. \n\nCorruption and mismanagement \n\nIt wasn't immediately clear why authorities in Iraq allowed the cladding to be used on the hall, though corruption and mismanagement remain endemic two decades after the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein. \n\nWhile some types of cladding can be made with fire-resistant material, experts say those that have caught fire at the wedding hall and elsewhere weren\u2019t designed to meet stricter safety standards and often were put onto buildings without any breaks to slow or halt a possible blaze. That includes the 2017 Grenfell Fire in London that killed 72 people in the greatest loss of life in a fire on British soil since World War II, as well as multiple high-rise fires in the United Arab Emirates. \n\nOver the past two decades, Iraq\u2019s Christian minority has been violently targeted by extremists first from al-Qaida and then the Islamic State militant group. Although the Nineveh Plains, the historic homeland, was wrested back from the Islamic State group six years ago, some towns are still mostly rubble and lack basic services. Many Christians have left for Europe, Australia or the United States. \n\nThe number of Christians in Iraq today is estimated at 150,000, compared to 1.5 million in 2003. Iraq\u2019s total population is more than 40 million. \n\n","htmlText":"<p>At least nine people have been arrested following a fire at a Christian wedding in Iraq that claimed more than a hundred lives<\/p>\n<p>General Saad Maan, of the Interior Ministry, told AFP nine employees were arrested and \u201cfour arrest warrants were issued against the owners\u201d of the wedding venue.<\/p>\n<p>A raging fire seemingly caused by fireworks set off to celebrate a wedding consumed a hall packed with guests in northern Iraq, killing at least 100 people and injuring 150 others as authorities warned Wednesday the death toll could still rise. <\/p>\n<p>Authorities said that flammable building materials also contributed to the latest disaster to hit Iraq\u2019s dwindling Christian minority. The fire happened in the Hamdaniya area of Iraq\u2019s Nineveh province, authorities said. That&#039;s a predominantly Christian area just outside the city of Mosul, some 335 kilometres northwest of Baghdad.<\/p>\n<p>There was no official word on the cause of the blaze, but the Kurdish television news channel Rudaw aired footage showing fireworks shooting up from the floor of the event and setting a chandelier aflame.<\/p>\n<p>In the blaze\u2019s aftermath, only charred metal and debris could be seen as people walked through the scene of the fire, the only light coming from television cameras and the lights of onlookers\u2019 mobile phones.<\/p>\n<p>Survivors arrived at local hospitals in bandages, receiving oxygen as their families milled through hallways and outside as workers organized more oxygen cylinders. Some of those burned included children. Ambulance sirens wailed for hours after the fire as paramedics brought out the injured.<\/p>\n<p>Other footage shown on other local television networks appeared to show the bride and groom on the dance floor when the fire began Tuesday night, stunned by the sight of the burning debris. It wasn\u2019t immediately clear if they were among those hurt.<\/p>\n<p>Health officials in Nineveh province raised the death toll to 114, though federal officials did not immediately update their figure of at least 100 killed. Health Ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr put the number of injured at 150 in that earlier statement carried by the state-run Iraqi News Agency.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAll efforts are being made to provide relief to those affected by the unfortunate accident,\u201d al-Badr said.<\/p>\n<p>Ahmed Dubardani, a health official in the province, told Rudaw that many of those injured suffered serious burns.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe majority of them were completely burned and some others had 50 to 60% of their bodies burned,\" Dubardani said. \u201cThis is not good at all. The majority of them were not in good condition.\u201d<\/p>\n<h3>Investigation underway<\/h3>\n<p>Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered an investigation into the fire and asked the country&#039;s Interior and Health officials to provide relief, his office said in a statement online.<\/p>\n<p>Najim al-Jubouri, the provincial governor of Nineveh, said some of the injured had been transferred to regional hospitals. He cautioned there were no final casualty figures yet from the blaze, which suggests the death toll still may rise.<\/p>\n<p>Hamdaniya is on Iraq&#039;s Nineveh Plains and under the control of its central government, though it is close to and claimed by Iraq&#039;s semiautonomous Kurdish regional government. Masrour Barzani, the prime minister of the Kurdish region, ordered hospitals there to also help those hurt in the blaze.<\/p>\n<p>Father Rudi Saffar Khoury, a priest at the wedding, said it was unclear who was to blame for the fire.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt could be a mistake by the event organizers or venue hosts, or maybe a technical error,\u201d Khoury told The Associated Press. \u201cIt was a disaster in every sense of the word.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Civil defence officials quoted by the Iraqi News Agency described the wedding hall&#039;s exterior as decorated with highly flammable cladding that is illegal in the country.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe fire led to the collapse of parts of the hall as a result of the use of highly flammable, low-cost building materials that collapse within minutes when the fire breaks out,\u201d the civil defence said.<\/p>\n<h3>Corruption and mismanagement<\/h3>\n<p>It wasn&#039;t immediately clear why authorities in Iraq allowed the cladding to be used on the hall, though corruption and mismanagement remain endemic two decades after the US-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.<\/p>\n<p>While some types of cladding can be made with fire-resistant material, experts say those that have caught fire at the wedding hall and elsewhere weren\u2019t designed to meet stricter safety standards and often were put onto buildings without any breaks to slow or halt a possible blaze. That includes the 2017 Grenfell Fire in London that killed 72 people in the greatest loss of life in a fire on British soil since World War II, as well as multiple high-rise fires in the United Arab Emirates.<\/p>\n<p>Over the past two decades, Iraq\u2019s Christian minority has been violently targeted by extremists first from al-Qaida and then the Islamic State militant group. Although the Nineveh Plains, the historic homeland, was wrested back from the Islamic State group six years ago, some towns are still mostly rubble and lack basic services. Many Christians have left for Europe, Australia or the United States.<\/p>\n<p>The number of Christians in Iraq today is estimated at 150,000, compared to 1.5 million in 2003. Iraq\u2019s total population is more than 40 million.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1695775452,"updatedAt":1723539856,"publishedAt":1695791836,"firstPublishedAt":1695791841,"lastPublishedAt":1695813515,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/92\/38\/00\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1c9326fb-d1c4-5abc-98a0-78d765fa39be-7923800.jpg","altText":"Fire at wedding in Northern Iraq kills more than 100 people ","caption":"Fire at wedding in Northern Iraq kills more than 100 people ","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP\/Copyright 2023 The AP.","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1440,"height":810}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":154,"slug":"iraq","urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","titleRaw":"Iraq"},{"id":10375,"slug":"fire","urlSafeValue":"fire","title":"Fire","titleRaw":"Fire"},{"id":5555,"slug":"victims","urlSafeValue":"victims","title":"Victims","titleRaw":"Victims"},{"id":3898,"slug":"mosul","urlSafeValue":"mosul","title":"Mosul","titleRaw":"Mosul"},{"id":13372,"slug":"hospitals","urlSafeValue":"hospitals","title":"Hospitals","titleRaw":"Hospitals"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"i3-AKW9js1g","dailymotionId":"x8oclv1"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/NW\/SU\/23\/09\/27\/en\/230927_NWSU_53242527_53248347_50000_124456_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":50000,"filesizeBytes":6464834,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/NW\/SU\/23\/09\/27\/en\/230927_NWSU_53242527_53248347_50000_124456_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":50000,"filesizeBytes":9806146,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/NW\/SU\/23\/09\/27\/en\/230927_NWSU_53242527_53248347_50000_125353_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":50000,"filesizeBytes":31692610,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":"AP ","additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'gv_death_injury','gb_death_injury_high_med','gb_death_injury_high_med_low','gb_death_injury_news-ent','gs_attractions','gs_perscelebrations','gs_perscelebrations_wedding','gs_family','gs_family_marriage','gb_death_injury_edu','gb_death_injury_high','gb_death_injury_serious','gv_arms','gb_arms_high','gb_arms_high_med','gb_arms_high_med_low','gb_arms_serious','neg_saudiramco_arabic','gs_news_and_weather'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2023\/09\/27\/fire-at-wedding-in-northern-iraq-kills-more-than-100-people","lastModified":1695813515},{"id":2309948,"cid":7716412,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":"230629_S5SU_52240741","owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"Iraq's prized modern art plagued by forgery, trafficking","daletPyramidId":null,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"War-torn Iraq's precious modern art-works saved by local collectors","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"War-torn Iraq's precious modern art-works saved by locals","titleListing2":"War-torn Iraq's precious modern art-works saved by local collectors","leadin":"Many masterpieces by Iraqi painters were destroyed during the years of conflict, but now the country's artistic heritage faces another threat: rampant counterfeiting and illicit trafficking.","summary":"Many masterpieces by Iraqi painters were destroyed during the years of conflict, but now the country's artistic heritage faces another threat: rampant counterfeiting and illicit trafficking.","keySentence":"","url":"war-torn-iraqs-precious-modern-art-works-saved-by-local-collectors","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2023\/06\/29\/war-torn-iraqs-precious-modern-art-works-saved-by-local-collectors","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"","htmlText":"","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1688041983,"updatedAt":1723539856,"publishedAt":1688056925,"firstPublishedAt":1688049738,"lastPublishedAt":1688056970,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/71\/64\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c90402e3-8475-5cb5-886f-e076947e88b6-7716412.jpg","altText":"A sculpture of a gazelle by Iraq's Khaled Izzat at the Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad.","caption":"A sculpture of a gazelle by Iraq's Khaled Izzat at the Museum of Modern Art in Baghdad.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AHMAD AL-RUBAYE\/AFP ","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":3987,"height":2658},{"url":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/07\/71\/64\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_b6bfae1c-3cb3-574b-be97-35e716ace7e3-7716412.jpg","altText":"After the 2003 US-led invasion when the museum's 8,000-strong collection was decimated by looters.","caption":"After the 2003 US-led invasion when the museum's 8,000-strong collection was decimated by looters.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AFP","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":3264,"height":2051}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":702,"urlSafeValue":"congar","title":"Kerem Congar","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[{"id":702,"urlSafeValue":"congar","title":"Kerem Congar","twitter":null}]},"keywords":[{"id":155,"slug":"iraq-war","urlSafeValue":"iraq-war","title":"Iraq War","titleRaw":"Iraq War"},{"id":3904,"slug":"baghdad","urlSafeValue":"baghdad","title":"Baghdad","titleRaw":"Baghdad"},{"id":6923,"slug":"museum","urlSafeValue":"museum","title":"Museum","titleRaw":"Museum"},{"id":4157,"slug":"modern-art","urlSafeValue":"modern-art","title":"Modern Art","titleRaw":"Modern Art"},{"id":21398,"slug":"painter","urlSafeValue":"painter","title":"Painter","titleRaw":"Painter"},{"id":4155,"slug":"painting","urlSafeValue":"painting","title":"Painting","titleRaw":"Painting"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2308394},{"id":2308270}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"U6ZrxgGddXk","dailymotionId":"x8m5a7v"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/med\/EN\/S5\/SU\/23\/06\/29\/en\/230629_S5SU_52240741_52240766_115640_153558_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":115640,"filesizeBytes":14510350,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/EN\/S5\/SU\/23\/06\/29\/en\/230629_S5SU_52240741_52240766_115640_153558_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":115640,"filesizeBytes":22009614,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/1080p\/EN\/S5\/SU\/23\/06\/29\/en\/230629_S5SU_52240741_52240766_115640_184330_en.mp4","editor":"","duration":115640,"filesizeBytes":72175886,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"AFP","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-news\/culture-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"culture","verticals":[{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":10,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture"},"themes":[{"id":"culture-news","urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news","url":"\/culture\/culture-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":53,"urlSafeValue":"culture-news","title":"Culture news"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":154,"urlSafeValue":"iraq","title":"Iraq","url":"\/news\/asia\/iraq"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":"'pos_equinor','pos_facebook','pos_pmi','pos_ukraine-russia','pos_ukrainecrisis','gs_entertain_arts','gs_politics','gs_war_conflict','sm_politics','neg_nespresso','neg_mobkoi_castrol','gv_crime','gv_military','gb_death_injury_news-ent','castrol_negative_uk','gs_fineart','neg_saudiaramco','gt_negative'","versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"sujet-video","format":"video"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/video\/2023\/06\/29\/war-torn-iraqs-precious-modern-art-works-saved-by-local-collectors","lastModified":1688056970}]">

More about this topic

Iraq

Iraq sentences man to life over recruiting fighters for Russian army

Iraqi judicial officials and a senior security officer said the man, who they identified as Risan Falah Kamel, was convicted of recruiting fighters and sending them to fight alongside Russia.

29/09/2025

Iraq

Accused French IS members sent to Iraq for trial, Syrian officials say

Their transfer happened more than one month ago but had not been previously reported. French officials could not be reached for comment.

18/09/2025

Iraq

Iraq's al-Nouri Mosque reopens eight years after ISIS destroyed it

The so-called Islamic State group detonated explosives at the 12th-century Mosul landmark in 2017.

01/09/2025

Iraq

Iraqi officials try to identify 18 bodies from shopping centre fire

While the cause of Wednesday's blaze has not yet been determined, officials blamed lack of safety standards in the building for the scale of the tragedy.

18/07/2025

ADVERTISEMENT

No Comment

Newly opened mall in Iraq destroyed by fire, killing dozens

A massive fire at a newly opened shopping mall in Kut, Iraq, has killed dozens, with many suffocating inside, as authorities launch an investigation and declare three days of mourning.

17/07/2025

Iraq

Fire at Iraqi shopping centre kills more than 60 and injures dozens

Over 60 people died and dozens were injured in a shopping centre blaze in the eastern Iraqi city of Kut. An investigation and legal actions are in progress.

17/07/2025

Iraq

Drone attacks salvo strikes multiple oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan

Three oil fields in Iraqi Kurdistan were targeted by explosive drones on Wednesday, causing material damage without casualties.

16/07/2025

Iraq

Methane gas kills 12 Turkish soldiers in Iraq cave operation

The troops had been looking for the remains of a comrade killed by Kurdish militants.

07/07/2025

Culture news

Spectacular find: Monumental images of gods discovered in Nineveh

2,700 years ago, Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian empire. Researchers from the University of Heidelberg have made a spectacular discovery in the palace of King Assurbanipal. During excavations, they came across the first large-format depictions of two important Assyrian deities.

18/05/2025

Iraq

Arab leaders reiterate push for Gaza ceasefire at Baghdad summit

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and UN General-Secretary António Guterres attended the annual Arab League Summit, as leaders from Arab nations reiterated their push for a Gaza ceasefire and promised to contribute to the territory's reconstruction.

17/05/2025

No Comment

Nowruz festival celebrated by thousands in Kurdish region

Celebrations filled Iraq’s Kurdish region on Thursday as people gathered to mark Nowruz, the festival that welcomes spring and the start of a new year.

21/03/2025

Culture news

4,000-year-old tablets found in Iraq reveal ancient red tape

Archaeologists from the British Museum and Iraq have uncovered over 200 4,000-year-old cuneiform tablets at Girsu, shedding light on the earliest known empire's complex bureaucracy.

21/03/2025

Culture news

Landmarks in Iraq’s Mosul are reopening after UNESCO-led restoration

A UNESCO-led project is restoring historic landmarks in Iraq's Mosul, including the Al-Hadbaa Minaret and key churches, after being destroyed by ISIS.

07/02/2025

Iraq

Iraq’s top court freezes laws on women, detainees, and land rights

The move follows a complaint by lawmakers who argued that the voting process was unlawful.

05/02/2025

Iraq

Pope Francis reveals suicide bomb plot against him in Iraq in 2021

In his upcoming autobiography, the pontiff said that two suicide bombers were killed by Iraqi police before they could carry out their planned attacks.

17/12/2024

Iraq

Iran's Pezeshkian seeks stronger Iraq ties on first trip as president

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian, sworn in last July, has made his first official visit abroad to Iraq, seeking to bolster ties amid growing regional tensions.

11/09/2024

Culture news

Researchers decipher 4,000-year-old Babylonian tablets predicting doom

Ancient tablets acquired by the British Museum decades ago have finally been deciphered - and they weren’t exactly good news for kings.

14/08/2024

Iraq

EU denounces Iraqi law threatening LGBTQ+ community with prison

The law imposes 10 to 15-year prison sentences for same-sex relationships and lesser penalties for gender-transition procedures or advocacy for certain organisations.

29/04/2024

No Comment

WATCH: Children in Iraq celebrate Eid al-Fatr

The three-day festival celebrates the completion of the fasting month of Ramadan by Muslims across the world.

11/04/2024

Iraq

US drone strike in Baghdad kills high-ranking militia leader

It is the latest retaliatory move by American forces following an attack on a base in Jordan that killed three US soldiers last month.

08/02/2024

Iraq

US missile barrage on targets in Iraq and Syria after US soldiers killed

US military claimed 85 targets hit at seven locations after three US soldiers were killed in Jordan, allegedly by Iran-backed militias.

03/02/2024

Iraq

Iraq and US begin talks to end coalition formed to fight Islamic State

The two nations have made the decision to open the dialogue as US forces in Iraq and Syria are targeted by Iran-backed militias since the start of the Israel-Hamas war.

28/01/2024

Iraq

US base in Iraq attacked after Iran vows revenge for Damascus attack

US Central Command said "multiple ballistic missiles and rockets were launched" at its Al-Assad based in western Iraq.

21/01/2024

Iraq

Iraq recalls its ambassador from Tehran following Iranian airstrikes

Kurdish officials say four civilians were killed and six others wounded in the Iranian missile attack in the city of Erbil.

16/01/2024

Iraq

Fire at wedding in Northern Iraq kills more than 100 people

There was no official word on the cause of the blaze, but the Kurdish television news channel Rudaw aired footage showing fireworks shooting up from the floor of the event and setting a chandelier aflame.

27/09/2023

Culture news

War-torn Iraq's precious modern art-works saved by locals

Many masterpieces by Iraqi painters were destroyed during the years of conflict, but now the country's artistic heritage faces another threat: rampant counterfeiting and illicit trafficking.

29/06/2023