
Unfinished Stories: The Republic of Factions
Former Kirkuk governor released on bail amid corruption charges
Families of victims revisit Anfal atrocities at notorious desert prison in southern Iraq
More than 90 Yazidi families return to Shingal
Former Kirkuk governor arrested on corruption charges
In this episode of Unfinished Stories, Hevidar Ahmed visits Baghdad to meet with the commanders of the Iran-backed Shiite armed groups and hear their reactions to US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran's affiliates in the Middle East.
Several commanders of these groups,often accused of acting against the interests of the Iraqi state, said they are not intimidated by Trump's threats, expressing openness to continue attacking US interests as long as American troops remain deployed in Iraq.

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Rudaw Net
35 minutes ago
- Rudaw Net
Iraqi authorities arrest PMF members linked to attack on state institution
Also in Iraq Iraq to hit 52 degrees Celsius amid scorching summer Iraq sees drop in wheat production amid summer drought MP says Iraq can withdraw from maritime agreement with Kuwait MPs slam Baghdad for banning Kurdish in disputed areas A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - At least one Iraqi officer and several other personnel were injured in an 'armed assault' at an Iraqi agriculture ministry office in western Baghdad on Sunday, Iraqi authorities confirmed, adding that more than a dozen suspects linked to the Iran-aligned Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) have been arrested in connection with the attack. In a statement, the Security Media Cell of the Joint Operations Command said that 'a reprehensible incident' occurred at the ministry's Karkh district office on Sunday morning, resulting in injuries among security forces. 'Security forces were able to arrest 14 suspects' who were identified as members of the PMF's 'brigades 45 and 46,' the Cell added, noting that the suspects 'have been referred to the judiciary, with legal proceedings underway.' Brigades 45 and 46 are affiliated with the Kata'ib Hezbollah - a powerful Iranian-backed Iraqi armed group designated by the United States as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). Washington holds Kata'ib Hezbollah, a key player in the Iran-led 'Axis of Resistance,' responsible for numerous attacks on US assets in the region since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023. In response to Sunday's incident, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani - who also serves as commander-in-chief of the Iraqi armed forces, including the PMF - 'has ordered the formation of a high-level investigative committee' to probe 'how an armed force acted without official orders or approvals, attempted to seize a government building, and opened fire on security units,' the Security Media Cell added. In a previous statement on Sunday, the Iraqi interior ministry noted that 'the incident coincided with a newly appointed director beginning his duties,' adding that Iraqi federal police units and Karkh emergency patrols 'quickly intervened and came under direct gunfire, resulting in several officers and personnel sustaining various injuries.' The ministry noted that 'search and pursuit operations are ongoing' to apprehend remaining suspects, affirming its strong condemnation and stressing that Iraqi forces 'will not tolerate any party attempting to impose a de facto situation by force or threaten state institutions. 'Upholding the authority of the state and the rule of law remains a top and non-negotiable priority,' the ministry emphasized. This is not the first time Kata'ib Hezbollah has been linked to clashes with Iraqi state forces. Previous incidents include a firefight with federal police in Baghdad in May 2023 and a confrontation with the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service at Camp Speicher in March 2023. The group has also been accused of participating in the violent crackdown on the October 2019 - Tishreen Movement - pro-reform demonstrations across Iraq and of involvement in the November 2021 assassination attempt on then-prime minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi via a drone attack on his Green Zone residence. The incident notably occurred shortly after clashes between security forces and supporters of Iran-backed armed groups protesting election results. While Kata'ib Hezbollah has strongly denied involvement, the use of explosive-laden drones, a hallmark of Iran-backed Iraqi armed groups, and Kadhimi's then-perceived alignment with the US fueled widespread belief in their responsibility.


Shafaq News
8 hours ago
- Shafaq News
Cambodia-Thailand clashes resume despite ceasefire call
Shafaq News – Bangkok/Phnom Penh Fresh clashes erupted along the Cambodia–Thailand border on Sunday, just hours after US President Donald Trump claimed both nations had agreed to pursue a ceasefire. Cambodia's Defense Ministry accused Thai forces of shelling temple areas near Phnom Kmoach in Trat province, while Thailand alleged Cambodian troops targeted civilians in overnight artillery strikes. The escalation has killed more than 30—mostly civilians—and displaced over 130,000 since fighting began on July 24. Trump announced on Truth Social late Saturday that he secured verbal pledges from both countries' prime ministers to meet 'immediately' for truce talks, asserting that 'both Parties are looking for an immediate Ceasefire and Peace.' Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet backed the initiative, urging an unconditional ceasefire and endorsing a prior Malaysian peace proposal. In turn, Thai Acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai responded cautiously, agreeing 'in principle' but demanding proof of Cambodia's sincerity before committing to talks. The conflict was reignited by a fatal May 28 border clash that killed a Cambodian soldier near the disputed Preah Vihear temple area. Although the International Court of Justice awarded the temple to Cambodia in 1962, ownership of the surrounding land remains contested and has fueled repeated outbreaks of violence, including a deadly flare-up in 2011.


Iraq Business
15 hours ago
- Iraq Business
Drone Offensive hits Kurdish Oil Production
From Amwaj Media. Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News . Drone offensive in Iraq hits Kurdish oil production, testing boundaries A wave of drone strikes in Iraq in recent weeks has targeted critical infrastructure, mainly in the Kurdistan region. The attacks have sharpened lingering anxiety over involvement in the Iran-Israel war last month, and come amid heightened political tension between Baghdad and Erbil. The full article can be viewed here.