Iraqi security forces marched through the capital in a solemn tribute to the nation’s fallen soldiers. The parade honored troops who lost their lives in recent conflicts and ongoing security operations, highlighting their sacrifice and the continued efforts to maintain stability across the country. Crowds gathered to witness the ceremony, which featured military units, armored vehicles, and symbolic displays honoring national resilience and unity.

Iraqi Forces Parade Through Capital In Tribute To Fallen Soldiers

Young Iraqis like Mohammed Imad are leaving home for Russia, lured by promises of money, passports, and a new life. Many disappear, never returning.  TikTok and Telegram influencers are recruiting Iraqi men to fight in Ukraine, often without family knowledge, offering salaries four times higher than Iraq’s military pay, bonuses up to $20,000, and pensions. Families wait in agony, unsure if their sons are alive. Thousands of foreign fighters now serve alongside Russian troops, risking death in a war that has nothing to do with them.

Russia's Secret Army: Iraq’s Tiktok Mercenaries Fight and Die for Moscow 

With increased strikes on vessels the Houthi trouble for Israel seems to be gaining momentum. In the latest strikes announced early on Sunday Houthi rebels have struck four ships at Israel's Northern Haifa Port. Watch in for more details!

Houthis, Iraqi militants claim attack on US carrier in Red Sea, US officials deny attack on vessel

Iraqi social media sensation Ghufran Sawadi, known as Umm Fahad, met a tragic end as she was shot dead outside her residence in Baghdad on Friday (Apr 26) night, media reports said citing sources.&nbsp;

Sawadi gained popularity on TikTok, where she shared videos showcasing her dancing skills to popular music. In those videos, she was often seen wearing figure-hugging attire.&nbsp;Iraq's judiciary earlier sentenced her to a six-month prison sentence for violating public decency and morals.

Iraq has laws and regulations that prohibit the dissemination of content deemed to contain obscene or indecent language, particularly those that violate public decency and morals.

These laws are often enforced by government authorities and can result in legal action against individuals or organisations that produce or distribute such content.

The attack took place in the Zayouna area of eastern Baghdad and was captured on surveillance video. The footage of the horrific crime was circulated on social media platforms as well.

The footage depicted a gunman riding a motorcycle&nbsp;fatally shooting&nbsp;Sawadi on the spot. Confirmation of the video's authenticity was provided by a Baghdad police source to a western media outlet.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-sends-troops-to-eastern-ukraine-in-a-bid-to-reinforce-offensive-715747">Russia sends troops to eastern Ukraine in a bid to reinforce offensive</a>

After this incident, the Interior Minister announced the formation of a specialised team to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sawadi's killing.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-indian-women-dies-in-us-after-car-crashes-into-trees-in-devastating-accident-715733">Three Indian women die in US after car crashes into trees in devastating accident</a>

This tragic incident is not an isolated case, as other social media influencers in Iraq have also fallen victim to deadly attacks.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-team-from-mediator-egypt-in-israel-for-gaza-truce-talks-715745">Israel-Hamas War: Team from mediator Egypt in Israel for Gaza truce talks</a>

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Notably, another social media star, Noor Alsaffar, known as Noor BM, was fatally shot in Baghdad in September 2023. Alsaffar, with a substantial following on Instagram and TikTok, shared content primarily focused on fashion and dancing.

While many mourned Alsaffar's death, some disturbingly celebrated the perpetrator of the crime. Given the conservative cultural and religious values prevalent in Iraqi society, there is often a low tolerance for content that is seen as offensive or contrary to these values. This includes not only explicit language but also material that may be considered morally objectionable or contrary to Islamic principles.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi social media sensation Ghufran Sawadi, known as Umm Fahad, met a tragic end as she was shot dead outside her residence in Baghdad on Friday (Apr 26) night, media reports said citing sources.

Iraqi social media sensation Ghufran Sawadi, known as Umm Fahad, met a tragic end as she was shot dead outside her residence in Baghdad on Friday (Apr 26) night, media reports said citing sources. Sawadi gained popularity on TikTok, where she shared videos showcasing her dancing skills to popular music. In those videos, she was often seen wearing figure-hugging attire. Iraq's judiciary earlier sentenced her to a six-month prison sentence for violating public decency and morals. Iraq has laws and regulations that prohibit the dissemination of content deemed to contain obscene or indecent language, particularly those that violate public decency and morals. These laws are often enforced by government authorities and can result in legal action against individuals or organisations that produce or distribute such content. The attack took place in the Zayouna area of eastern Baghdad and was captured on surveillance video. The footage of the horrific crime was circulated on social media platforms as well. The footage depicted a gunman riding a motorcycle fatally shooting Sawadi on the spot. Confirmation of the video's authenticity was provided by a Baghdad police source to a western media outlet. Also Read | Russia sends troops to eastern Ukraine in a bid to reinforce offensive After this incident, the Interior Minister announced the formation of a specialised team to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sawadi's killing. Also Read | Three Indian women die in US after car crashes into trees in devastating accident This tragic incident is not an isolated case, as other social media influencers in Iraq have also fallen victim to deadly attacks. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Team from mediator Egypt in Israel for Gaza truce talks × Notably, another social media star, Noor Alsaffar, known as Noor BM, was fatally shot in Baghdad in September 2023. Alsaffar, with a substantial following on Instagram and TikTok, shared content primarily focused on fashion and dancing. While many mourned Alsaffar's death, some disturbingly celebrated the perpetrator of the crime. Given the conservative cultural and religious values prevalent in Iraqi society, there is often a low tolerance for content that is seen as offensive or contrary to these values. This includes not only explicit language but also material that may be considered morally objectionable or contrary to Islamic principles. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraqi TikTok star Umm Fahad shot dead outside home amid controversy over dancing videos

As a young girl, Iraqi Kurd Shylan Kamal would help her mother knead bread until one day she realised the work was a way to build up muscles -- and she liked it.

Now 46 and herself a mother, Kamal sees her passion for bodybuilding as a matter of gender equality in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region.

"Having muscles is good for women too," she told AFP during a session at a gym in the provincial capital Arbil, where she spends four hours training every day.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-farmers-join-wrestlers-protest-wfi-chief-says-do-not-make-mistake-590160">As farmers join wrestlers protest, WFI chief says do not make 'mistake'</a>

"We can express our beauty through bodybuilding," Kamal said.

The nutritionist and former photographer returned to Kurdistan from Germany three years ago and found a conservative and patriarchal society where her passion for bodybuilding raised some eyebrows.

But she refused to let opinions stop her.

"I don't care at all what people say, I have my own opinions," she said, adding that she dislikes the traditional beauty norms society imposes on women.

"I hate that people consider women as inferior beings or sex symbols and that they're expected to look after the children and make themselves beautiful for their husbands," she said.

"Why can't women be both beautiful and strong at the same time?"

Kamal has trained since the age of 22. On Instagram she can be seen posing in a bikini and flexing her muscles at bodybuilding competitions across Europe, sometimes also waving the flag of Iraqi Kurdistan.

After a warm-up, she alternates between weight machines, lifting dumbbells and doing pushups, her hair cascading over powerful shoulders.

In recent months, she has competed in three events across Britain and Germany, each time placing third. The most recent was mid-April's FIBO Global Fitness show, in Cologne.

"People here are not used to seeing women in bathing suits showing off their muscles," Kamal said, regretting the prejudice in her homeland -- and also coming from people abroad who are surprised to learn she is Iraqi.

<h2>Full of energy</h2>

Originally from Sulaimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan's second city, Kamal emigrated to Germany with her uncle when she was 14.

Two years later she married. Her three children are now aged in their 20s.

While living in Germany, she went to university and became a photographer, working at a studio in Duesseldorf.

Kamal said she has received only support from her family in her endeavours.

"Since I was a kid I've been full of energy, and I need an outlet for that energy," she said.

"When I was helping my mum knead the dough to make bread I could feel my muscles developing -- and that made me happy."

Acceptance of women's sports is progressing slowly in Iraqi society. Recent years have seen a rise in women playing football, boxing, kickboxing and weightlifting.

The relative stability in Kurdistan -- largely spared the ravages of conflict afflicting other parts of Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion -- has allowed the region to develop sporting infrastructure.

Ranjbar Ali trains in the same gym as Kamal and said he is "happy" to see "women like Shylan breaking down barriers and preconceived ideas to reach world-class level".

Ali, muscles bulging from his black singlet, offered his support to Kamal's efforts to achieve gender equality in bodybuilding.

"Some people think it shameful for women to show off their bodies and their muscles. But why does that not also apply to men?" the 45-year-old said.

For Kamal, her advice to aspiring women bodybuilders, from Kurdistan and beyond, is simple -- hit the gym and practise.

"It's a physically demanding discipline that needs concentration and a healthy diet," she said, adding the routine will help physical and mental health.

"I'm convinced that going to the gym is more beneficial than going to the beauty salon."

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As a young girl, Iraqi Kurd Shylan Kamal would help her mother knead bread until one day she realised the work was a way to build up muscles -- and she liked it.

As a young girl, Iraqi Kurd Shylan Kamal would help her mother knead bread until one day she realised the work was a way to build up muscles -- and she liked it. Now 46 and herself a mother, Kamal sees her passion for bodybuilding as a matter of gender equality in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. "Having muscles is good for women too," she told AFP during a session at a gym in the provincial capital Arbil, where she spends four hours training every day. Also Read: As farmers join wrestlers protest, WFI chief says do not make 'mistake' "We can express our beauty through bodybuilding," Kamal said. The nutritionist and former photographer returned to Kurdistan from Germany three years ago and found a conservative and patriarchal society where her passion for bodybuilding raised some eyebrows. But she refused to let opinions stop her. "I don't care at all what people say, I have my own opinions," she said, adding that she dislikes the traditional beauty norms society imposes on women. "I hate that people consider women as inferior beings or sex symbols and that they're expected to look after the children and make themselves beautiful for their husbands," she said. "Why can't women be both beautiful and strong at the same time?" Kamal has trained since the age of 22. On Instagram she can be seen posing in a bikini and flexing her muscles at bodybuilding competitions across Europe, sometimes also waving the flag of Iraqi Kurdistan. After a warm-up, she alternates between weight machines, lifting dumbbells and doing pushups, her hair cascading over powerful shoulders. In recent months, she has competed in three events across Britain and Germany, each time placing third. The most recent was mid-April's FIBO Global Fitness show, in Cologne. "People here are not used to seeing women in bathing suits showing off their muscles," Kamal said, regretting the prejudice in her homeland -- and also coming from people abroad who are surprised to learn she is Iraqi. Full of energy Originally from Sulaimaniyah, Iraqi Kurdistan's second city, Kamal emigrated to Germany with her uncle when she was 14. Two years later she married. Her three children are now aged in their 20s. While living in Germany, she went to university and became a photographer, working at a studio in Duesseldorf. Kamal said she has received only support from her family in her endeavours. "Since I was a kid I've been full of energy, and I need an outlet for that energy," she said. "When I was helping my mum knead the dough to make bread I could feel my muscles developing -- and that made me happy." Acceptance of women's sports is progressing slowly in Iraqi society. Recent years have seen a rise in women playing football, boxing, kickboxing and weightlifting. The relative stability in Kurdistan -- largely spared the ravages of conflict afflicting other parts of Iraq since the 2003 US-led invasion -- has allowed the region to develop sporting infrastructure. Ranjbar Ali trains in the same gym as Kamal and said he is "happy" to see "women like Shylan breaking down barriers and preconceived ideas to reach world-class level". Ali, muscles bulging from his black singlet, offered his support to Kamal's efforts to achieve gender equality in bodybuilding. "Some people think it shameful for women to show off their bodies and their muscles. But why does that not also apply to men?" the 45-year-old said. For Kamal, her advice to aspiring women bodybuilders, from Kurdistan and beyond, is simple -- hit the gym and practise. "It's a physically demanding discipline that needs concentration and a healthy diet," she said, adding the routine will help physical and mental health. "I'm convinced that going to the gym is more beneficial than going to the beauty salon." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Iraqi Kurdish bodybuilder breaks down gender barriers

The niece of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been arrested after she recorded a video describing the authorities led by her uncle as a "murderous and child-killing regime".

Iranian officials arrest supreme leader Khamenei's niece

In a missile attack, an oil refinery was targetted in Erbil, Iraq on Sunday, media reports said. &nbsp;

The explosion led to fire in one of its main tanks, which was brought under control, the Iraqi security forces said in a statement. &nbsp;

Another missile had landed on the outer fence of the refinery. It did not cause any casualties, the forces added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tensions-between-iran-and-saudi-arabia-nearing-end-iraq-pm-475173" hreflang="en">Tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia nearing end: Iraq PM</a>

On Sunday, six missiles had landed near KAR refinery in Erbil, the anti-terrorism authorities in Kurdistan region said. They said that the missiles were launched from Nineveh province. &nbsp;

After the attack, a launch pad and four missiles were also found in the Nineveh Plain and defused, the security forces said. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Muslims across the world begin Eid preparations, thousand of believers offer prayers at the Mecca

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Calling it a "cowardly attack", Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said, the armed forces will pursue the perpetrators of the attack. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a phone call, he discussed the security situation with Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, the prime minister's office said on Twitter. &nbsp;

On April 6, three missiles had fell near the refinery, without causing any harm. The refinery is owned by Iraqi Kurdish businessman Baz Karim Barzanji, CEO, KAR Group, which is the major domestic energy company, a Reuters report said, citing sources in the Kurdistan regional government. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a missile attack, an oil refinery was targetted in Erbil, Iraq on Sunday, media reports said. The explosion led to fire in one of its main tanks, which was brought under control, the Iraqi security forces said in a statement.

In a missile attack, an oil refinery was targetted in Erbil, Iraq on Sunday, media reports said. The explosion led to fire in one of its main tanks, which was brought under control, the Iraqi security forces said in a statement. Another missile had landed on the outer fence of the refinery. It did not cause any casualties, the forces added. Also Read: Tension between Iran and Saudi Arabia nearing end: Iraq PM On Sunday, six missiles had landed near KAR refinery in Erbil, the anti-terrorism authorities in Kurdistan region said. They said that the missiles were launched from Nineveh province. After the attack, a launch pad and four missiles were also found in the Nineveh Plain and defused, the security forces said. Watch: Muslims across the world begin Eid preparations, thousand of believers offer prayers at the Mecca × Calling it a "cowardly attack", Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said, the armed forces will pursue the perpetrators of the attack. In a phone call, he discussed the security situation with Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, the prime minister's office said on Twitter. On April 6, three missiles had fell near the refinery, without causing any harm. The refinery is owned by Iraqi Kurdish businessman Baz Karim Barzanji, CEO, KAR Group, which is the major domestic energy company, a Reuters report said, citing sources in the Kurdistan regional government. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Missile attack at Iraqi oil refinery results in tank fire, say security forces  

In Iraq, women are virtually taking their safety into their own hands. They're going against societal expectations, and they're doing it by taking up martial arts so that no one messes with them.

Iraqi women break the norm by taking us martial arts

Anger is palpable on Iraqi streets as people protest power cuts amid temperatures rising above 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit).

The oil-rich city of Basra saw angry protests by the people last week. The protesters burnt tyres and blocked highways.

Power outages have often led to violent protests in Iraq, especially in the southern part of the country

The latest crisis has seen those with the means hooking up fridges, air conditioning units and fans to private generators. But same cannot be said about impoverished masses.&nbsp;

Four southern provinces have been without electricity since Tuesday, including Basra -- home to Iraq's main port.

Sizzling temperatures have been compounded by high levels of humidity.

"The children sleep right on the floor to try and stay cool, but us, the adults, haven't slept a wink these past nights," Meshaal Hashem, a Basra docker and father of three, told AFP.

In the city of Diwaniyah, Rahi Abdelhussein buys bags of ice to cool down his children, saying it helps hydrate them.

Shops have placed hoses and makeshift showers outdoors to attract customers to stop.

Blame game&nbsp;

Anger has mounted among Iraq's 40-million population, with corrupt politicians at the centre of a blame game for its poor services and dilapidated infrastructure.

"The electricity ministry is blaming the oil ministry which is blaming the finance ministry, and the finance ministry says the culprit is Iran, but Iran says it's the Iraqi government's fault, and the government lays the blame on the people who accuse politicians of shortcomings," Iraqi political analyst Sajad Jiyad tweeted.

"The politicians just shrug and say, 'We've got to live with it.'"

Power outages in sweltering summer heat are often a common thing in Iraq. But the current crisis has other factors as reason as well.

Iraq is the second-largest producer of oil in the OPEC group. It buy gas and power from Iran to supply about a third of its power sector, dilapidated by decades of conflict and poor maintenance.

However, Iran on Tuesday decided to cut supplies to its neighbour saying that Iraq owes more than USD 6 billion in arrears.

Iraq says it is unable to pay because of US sanctions on money transfers to Iran, a deep financial crisis compounded by lower oil prices, and the Covid-19 pandemic.

(With inputs from agencies)

Anger is palpable on Iraqi streets as people protest power cuts amid temperatures rising above 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). The oil-rich city of Basra saw angry protests by the people last week.

Anger is palpable on Iraqi streets as people protest power cuts amid temperatures rising above 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). The oil-rich city of Basra saw angry protests by the people last week. The protesters burnt tyres and blocked highways. Power outages have often led to violent protests in Iraq, especially in the southern part of the country The latest crisis has seen those with the means hooking up fridges, air conditioning units and fans to private generators. But same cannot be said about impoverished masses. Four southern provinces have been without electricity since Tuesday, including Basra -- home to Iraq's main port. Sizzling temperatures have been compounded by high levels of humidity. "The children sleep right on the floor to try and stay cool, but us, the adults, haven't slept a wink these past nights," Meshaal Hashem, a Basra docker and father of three, told AFP. In the city of Diwaniyah, Rahi Abdelhussein buys bags of ice to cool down his children, saying it helps hydrate them. Shops have placed hoses and makeshift showers outdoors to attract customers to stop. Blame game Anger has mounted among Iraq's 40-million population, with corrupt politicians at the centre of a blame game for its poor services and dilapidated infrastructure. "The electricity ministry is blaming the oil ministry which is blaming the finance ministry, and the finance ministry says the culprit is Iran, but Iran says it's the Iraqi government's fault, and the government lays the blame on the people who accuse politicians of shortcomings," Iraqi political analyst Sajad Jiyad tweeted. "The politicians just shrug and say, 'We've got to live with it.'" Power outages in sweltering summer heat are often a common thing in Iraq. But the current crisis has other factors as reason as well. Iraq is the second-largest producer of oil in the OPEC group. It buy gas and power from Iran to supply about a third of its power sector, dilapidated by decades of conflict and poor maintenance. However, Iran on Tuesday decided to cut supplies to its neighbour saying that Iraq owes more than USD 6 billion in arrears. Iraq says it is unable to pay because of US sanctions on money transfers to Iran, a deep financial crisis compounded by lower oil prices, and the Covid-19 pandemic. (With inputs from agencies)

Iraqis protest power outage amid 50+ degrees Celsius heat

A rocket was fired on Sunday at an Iraqi air base hosting American troops, AFP reported citing a security source. This is the latest report in a series of attacks that US blames on militia having links with Iran.

The assault on the Ain Al-Assad base came as pro-Tehran groups hailed the election of Iranian ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi as the new president of the Islamic republic, with some saying it reflected the "failure" of America's "pawns" in the region.

The latest attack has come just 10 days after the US offered upto USD 3 million rewards for information on strikes against American citizens in Iraq.

Since October 2019, US interests in Iraq have been repeatedly targetted including with rockets. The attacks have routinely been targetted by Washington on Iran-backed factions.

Since the beginning of the year, a total of 43 attacks have targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi bases housing US troops or Iraqi convoys carrying logistical support.

Pro-Iran groups in Iraq are campaigning for departure of remaining US troops. There are still 2500 US troops deployed in Iraq as part of the international coalition to fight Islamic State group. The Iraqi government declared that fight won in late 2017.

(With inputs from agencies)

A rocket was fired on Sunday at an Iraqi air base hosting American troops, AFP reported citing a security source. This is the latest report in a series of attacks that US blames on militia having links with Iran.

A rocket was fired on Sunday at an Iraqi air base hosting American troops, AFP reported citing a security source. This is the latest report in a series of attacks that US blames on militia having links with Iran. The assault on the Ain Al-Assad base came as pro-Tehran groups hailed the election of Iranian ultraconservative cleric Ebrahim Raisi as the new president of the Islamic republic, with some saying it reflected the "failure" of America's "pawns" in the region. The latest attack has come just 10 days after the US offered upto USD 3 million rewards for information on strikes against American citizens in Iraq. Since October 2019, US interests in Iraq have been repeatedly targetted including with rockets. The attacks have routinely been targetted by Washington on Iran-backed factions. Since the beginning of the year, a total of 43 attacks have targeted the US embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi bases housing US troops or Iraqi convoys carrying logistical support. Pro-Iran groups in Iraq are campaigning for departure of remaining US troops. There are still 2500 US troops deployed in Iraq as part of the international coalition to fight Islamic State group. The Iraqi government declared that fight won in late 2017. (With inputs from agencies)

Rocket fired at Iraqi base hosting US troops: Report

At a time when most amusement parks and public swimming pools have been closed for weeks in Iraq, children from this Basra neighbourhood are discovering a new public garden with its doors wide open.

Iraqi transforms dumping ground into public garden

An Iraqi anti-government activist was gunned down in the southern port city of Basra, a police officer stated on Wednesday, amid resurgent rallies demanding authorities implement <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-angry-youth-step-up-protest-at-slow-pace-of-reforms-275311">long-awaited reforms</a>.

"Civil society activist Janat Madhi, 49, was shot on Tuesday night around 11:00 pm (2000 GMT) by armed men in an SUV," a police officer said, adding that five people including at least one other local activist were wounded in the shooting.

A source at the city's forensics lab confirmed that Madhi suffered gunshot wounds. A reporter said she was part of an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4-people-including-two-policemen-killed-as-protests-erupt-in-iraq-275553">activist group</a> giving medical care to demonstrators. The group departed the main protest camp in Basra late Tuesday, the reporter said, after which they were fired upon by unknown gunmen.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-kill-one-protester-wound-25-sources-275090">Iraqi security forces kill one protester, wound 25: Report</a>

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[&nbsp;A mourner cries during the funeral of&nbsp;Janat Madhi Hussein (Courtesy: AFP) ]

The killing is the latest in a new wave of violence against Iraq's anti-regime protests, which had waned in recent weeks amid growing tensions between Baghdad's two main allies, Tehran and Washington. Demonstrators this week began ramping up pressure on authorities to implement their long-standing demands: early elections under a new voting law, an independent premier and accountability for protester deaths and corruption.

More than 460 protesters have died since the rallies first erupted in early October, fuelled by anger over graft and lack of jobs that grew into demands for systemic reform. On Monday, three protesters were killed in clashes with security forces in Baghdad and another demonstrator died on Tuesday after a tear gas canister punctured his skull.

Rights groups accuse security forces of improperly using military-grade gas canisters - which are up to 10 times heavier than those designed for use against civilians - by firing them directly at crowds rather than into the air.

Demonstrators are outraged that only a handful of security force members have been charged with excessive violence and none of the perpetrators of hit-and-run attacks has been pursued, whereas protesters have been swiftly arrested for shutting down streets with burning tyres. Blocking roads has become prevalent this week, with protesters cutting streets and national highways around Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south on Wednesday. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

An Iraqi anti-government activist was gunned down in the southern port city of Basra, a police officer stated on Wednesday, amid resurgent rallies demanding authorities implement long-awaited reforms.

An Iraqi anti-government activist was gunned down in the southern port city of Basra, a police officer stated on Wednesday, amid resurgent rallies demanding authorities implement long-awaited reforms. "Civil society activist Janat Madhi, 49, was shot on Tuesday night around 11:00 pm (2000 GMT) by armed men in an SUV," a police officer said, adding that five people including at least one other local activist were wounded in the shooting. A source at the city's forensics lab confirmed that Madhi suffered gunshot wounds. A reporter said she was part of an activist group giving medical care to demonstrators. The group departed the main protest camp in Basra late Tuesday, the reporter said, after which they were fired upon by unknown gunmen. Also Read: Iraqi security forces kill one protester, wound 25: Report [ A mourner cries during the funeral of Janat Madhi Hussein (Courtesy: AFP) ] The killing is the latest in a new wave of violence against Iraq's anti-regime protests, which had waned in recent weeks amid growing tensions between Baghdad's two main allies, Tehran and Washington. Demonstrators this week began ramping up pressure on authorities to implement their long-standing demands: early elections under a new voting law, an independent premier and accountability for protester deaths and corruption. More than 460 protesters have died since the rallies first erupted in early October, fuelled by anger over graft and lack of jobs that grew into demands for systemic reform. On Monday, three protesters were killed in clashes with security forces in Baghdad and another demonstrator died on Tuesday after a tear gas canister punctured his skull. Rights groups accuse security forces of improperly using military-grade gas canisters - which are up to 10 times heavier than those designed for use against civilians - by firing them directly at crowds rather than into the air. Demonstrators are outraged that only a handful of security force members have been charged with excessive violence and none of the perpetrators of hit-and-run attacks has been pursued, whereas protesters have been swiftly arrested for shutting down streets with burning tyres. Blocking roads has become prevalent this week, with protesters cutting streets and national highways around Baghdad and the Shiite-majority south on Wednesday.

Iraq activist shot as protesters cut roads again

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - December 16, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-dead-in-iraq-as-security-forces-clear-protest-sites-261082">Iraqi protesters</a> struggled to keep up their anti-government sit-ins Sunday following a deadly crackdown by security forces that Amnesty International warned could turn into a "bloodbath".

Seven protesters died on Saturday in Baghdad and the southern city of Basra in the latest violence to hit the wave of popular protests that have shaken the country since early October.

The United Nations warned of a spreading "climate of fear" and its top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said it was receiving "daily reports of killings, kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, beatings and intimidation of protesters".

Security forces early Sunday deployed tear gas in the southern city of Nasiriyah to keep back a crowd trying to shut down the education directorate.&nbsp;

University students in Diwaniyah were able to gather for a protest, but police blocked school children from walking out of class to join.&nbsp;

Those in Hillah and Kut had more success, with government offices and schools still shuttered.&nbsp;

And in Basra further south, some 30 protesters marched to reach their usual protest site outside the port city's provincial headquarters but were also kept about 600 metres away by police.

The previous day, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-clear-protest-sites-as-leaders-reach-deal-to-end-rallies-261074">security forces</a> had cleared out the Basra sit-in location, leaving three dead, and detained scores of demonstrators.

They also cracked down in Baghdad, where four protesters were killed Saturday around the central protest site of Tahrir (Liberation) Square.

On Sunday morning, security forces erected concrete barriers sealing off Tahrir from a nearby square, where the air was thick with tear gas, an AFP correspondent said.

Rights group Amnesty International said Baghdad "must immediately rein in security forces" following the previous evening's sweep through the capital.

"This is turning into nothing short of a bloodbath,&nbsp;all government promises of reforms or investigations ring hollow while security forces continue to shoot and kill protesters," said Amnesty's regional director Heba Morayef.

The demonstrations broke out in Iraq's capital and its south on October 1 in outrage at corruption, lack of jobs and poor public services.

But they quickly spiralled into calls to uproot the entire governing system, which is widely blamed for perpetuating graft and clientelism.

The government has suggested a series of reforms, the bulk of them hiring drives and welfare plans.

The protests initially shook the government but political leaders have since closed rank around embattled premier Adel Abdel Mahdi.

Around 300 people have been killed in the protests, according to a toll compiled by AFP. The government has stopped issuing figures.

Iraqi protesters struggled to keep up their anti-government sit-ins Sunday following a deadly crackdown by security forces that Amnesty International warned could turn into a "bloodbath".

Iraqi protesters struggled to keep up their anti-government sit-ins Sunday following a deadly crackdown by security forces that Amnesty International warned could turn into a "bloodbath". Seven protesters died on Saturday in Baghdad and the southern city of Basra in the latest violence to hit the wave of popular protests that have shaken the country since early October. The United Nations warned of a spreading "climate of fear" and its top official in Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said it was receiving "daily reports of killings, kidnappings, arbitrary arrests, beatings and intimidation of protesters". Security forces early Sunday deployed tear gas in the southern city of Nasiriyah to keep back a crowd trying to shut down the education directorate. University students in Diwaniyah were able to gather for a protest, but police blocked school children from walking out of class to join. Those in Hillah and Kut had more success, with government offices and schools still shuttered. And in Basra further south, some 30 protesters marched to reach their usual protest site outside the port city's provincial headquarters but were also kept about 600 metres away by police. The previous day, security forces had cleared out the Basra sit-in location, leaving three dead, and detained scores of demonstrators. They also cracked down in Baghdad, where four protesters were killed Saturday around the central protest site of Tahrir (Liberation) Square. On Sunday morning, security forces erected concrete barriers sealing off Tahrir from a nearby square, where the air was thick with tear gas, an AFP correspondent said. Rights group Amnesty International said Baghdad "must immediately rein in security forces" following the previous evening's sweep through the capital. "This is turning into nothing short of a bloodbath, all government promises of reforms or investigations ring hollow while security forces continue to shoot and kill protesters," said Amnesty's regional director Heba Morayef. The demonstrations broke out in Iraq's capital and its south on October 1 in outrage at corruption, lack of jobs and poor public services. But they quickly spiralled into calls to uproot the entire governing system, which is widely blamed for perpetuating graft and clientelism. The government has suggested a series of reforms, the bulk of them hiring drives and welfare plans. The protests initially shook the government but political leaders have since closed rank around embattled premier Adel Abdel Mahdi. Around 300 people have been killed in the protests, according to a toll compiled by AFP. The government has stopped issuing figures.

Iraqis struggle to continue protests after deadly crackdown by authorities

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-three-people-killed-as-security-forces-use-live-rounds-on-iraqi-protesters-260084">Iraqi security forces</a> shot dead at least 13 protesters in the past 24 hours, abandoning weeks of comparative restraint to unleash live gunfire in a bid to crush demonstrations against the political parties that control the government.

After eight people were killed during the day on Monday, security forces shot dead at least five others overnight or early on Tuesday, including one killed with live fire at a funeral procession for another who died hours earlier.

More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests, above all Iran.

Most of those deaths took place during the first week of the demonstrations when snipers shot on crowds from Baghdad rooftops. But after the government appeared to have curbed the use of some deadly tactics, the protests swelled rapidly over the past ten days.

The new violence began a day after Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi appealed to protesters to suspend their movement, which he said had achieved its goals and was hurting the economy.

He has said he is willing to resign if politicians agree on a replacement, and has promised a number of reforms. But protesters say that is not enough and the entire political class needs to go.

'Continued bloodshed'

Since putting down an insurgency by Islamic State in 2017, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-forces-fire-on-baghdad-protesters-after-four-killed-in-karbala-259925">Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability</a>. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education.

Protesters blame a political system that shares power among sectarian parties, making corruption entrenched. Abdul Mahdi, in power for a year, enjoys the support of powerful Iran-backed political parties allied to an armed militia.

A government report said nearly 150 people were killed in the first week of the unrest in early October, 70 per cent&nbsp;from bullets to the head. Since then, security forces mainly used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to repel protesters.

Though these tactics also caused fatalities, the protests grew far larger as word got out that they were safer, with families, women and elderly people joining demonstrations by self-proclaimed "revolutionary" youth, especially in Baghdad.

By the end of last week, tens of thousands of people were turning out daily for by far the biggest anti-government demonstrations since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

But Monday's violence suggested a return to the earlier tactics, including firing live rounds into crowds.

At least six protesters were killed on Monday in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra, a town in the south, on Monday.

Overnight, security forces killed two more people and wounded 12 in Shatra, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head. The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said.

Separately, at least two protesters were killed and dozens more wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr.

A sit-in there has halted operations at the port since last Wednesday. The port handles the vast bulk of imports for a population that relies on food from abroad.

Local security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm&nbsp;on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-block-roads-to-iraqi-port-demand-end-to-foreign-meddling-259895">Clashes continued into Tuesday morning</a>, with a person killed during the funeral procession for one of the protesters killed overnight. Security forces responded with live rounds after residents, angry at the earlier use of force, threw stones at them near the funeral procession.

"Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert tweeted overnight. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue."

Iraqi authorities have been blocking the internet during protests. Internet access was restored on Tuesday morning after much of Iraq was cut off overnight. However, by early afternoon it seemed to be cut off again across much of the country.

Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters in the past 24 hours, abandoning weeks of comparative restraint to unleash live gunfire in a bid to crush demonstrations against the political parties that control the government.

Iraqi security forces shot dead at least 13 protesters in the past 24 hours, abandoning weeks of comparative restraint to unleash live gunfire in a bid to crush demonstrations against the political parties that control the government. After eight people were killed during the day on Monday, security forces shot dead at least five others overnight or early on Tuesday, including one killed with live fire at a funeral procession for another who died hours earlier. More than 260 Iraqis have been killed in demonstrations since the start of October against a government they see as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests, above all Iran. Most of those deaths took place during the first week of the demonstrations when snipers shot on crowds from Baghdad rooftops. But after the government appeared to have curbed the use of some deadly tactics, the protests swelled rapidly over the past ten days. The new violence began a day after Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi appealed to protesters to suspend their movement, which he said had achieved its goals and was hurting the economy. He has said he is willing to resign if politicians agree on a replacement, and has promised a number of reforms. But protesters say that is not enough and the entire political class needs to go. 'Continued bloodshed' Since putting down an insurgency by Islamic State in 2017, Iraq has enjoyed two years of comparative stability. But despite its oil wealth, many people live in poverty with limited access to clean water, electricity, healthcare or education. Protesters blame a political system that shares power among sectarian parties, making corruption entrenched. Abdul Mahdi, in power for a year, enjoys the support of powerful Iran-backed political parties allied to an armed militia. A government report said nearly 150 people were killed in the first week of the unrest in early October, 70 per cent from bullets to the head. Since then, security forces mainly used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to repel protesters. Though these tactics also caused fatalities, the protests grew far larger as word got out that they were safer, with families, women and elderly people joining demonstrations by self-proclaimed "revolutionary" youth, especially in Baghdad. By the end of last week, tens of thousands of people were turning out daily for by far the biggest anti-government demonstrations since the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003. But Monday's violence suggested a return to the earlier tactics, including firing live rounds into crowds. At least six protesters were killed on Monday in the capital Baghdad as security forces used live rounds. One protester was also killed in Shatra, a town in the south, on Monday. Overnight, security forces killed two more people and wounded 12 in Shatra, security and medical sources said. Hospital sources said the protesters died from bullet wounds to the head. The protesters had tried to attack the house of a senior government official, security sources said. Separately, at least two protesters were killed and dozens more wounded when security forces opened fire on protesters camped out at the entrance to the main Gulf port of Umm Qasr. A sit-in there has halted operations at the port since last Wednesday. The port handles the vast bulk of imports for a population that relies on food from abroad. Local security officials imposed a curfew around 10 pm on Monday night, in an initial attempt to disperse the crowd, saying they would use force to disperse them if necessary. Clashes continued into Tuesday morning, with a person killed during the funeral procession for one of the protesters killed overnight. Security forces responded with live rounds after residents, angry at the earlier use of force, threw stones at them near the funeral procession. "Appalled by continued bloodshed in Iraq," U.N. Iraq envoy Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert tweeted overnight. "Violence only begets violence, peaceful demonstrators must be protected. It is high time for national dialogue." Iraqi authorities have been blocking the internet during protests. Internet access was restored on Tuesday morning after much of Iraq was cut off overnight. However, by early afternoon it seemed to be cut off again across much of the country.

At least 13 killed as Iraq resumes live gunfire against protesters

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-security-forces-open-fire-on-protesters-kill-14-258650">Iraqis</a> and Lebanese&nbsp;on Wednesday to seek their demands within the framework of the law after waves of protests rocked the two countries.

"The people of Iraq and Lebanon have some demands that are rightful, but they should know these demands can only be realised within the legal frameworks," he said in remarks aired on state television.

"The enemy wants to disrupt the legal framework. When in a country there is no legal framework and a vacuum is created, no positive action can be taken," he added.

Khamenei accused the United States and its allies of being behind the unrest.

The Americans and Western intelligence services "backed by the money of some reactionary countries in the region are causing turmoil... to destroy security", he said.

"I seize this opportunity to tell those who care about Iraq and Lebanon to remedy insecurity as their priority," Khamenei said, without elaborating.

"The biggest damage that enemies can inflict on a country is to deprive that country of security."

Tehran has close but complicated relations with Baghdad, holding significant clout among its dominant Shiite political groups.

In <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-roads-reopen-in-lebanon-after-prime-minister-resigns-258802">Lebanon</a>, the Islamic republic has close ties with Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite movement that had ministers in the outgoing government.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iraqis and Lebanese on Wednesday to seek their demands within the framework of the law after waves of protests rocked the two countries.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei urged Iraqis and Lebanese on Wednesday to seek their demands within the framework of the law after waves of protests rocked the two countries. "The people of Iraq and Lebanon have some demands that are rightful, but they should know these demands can only be realised within the legal frameworks," he said in remarks aired on state television. "The enemy wants to disrupt the legal framework. When in a country there is no legal framework and a vacuum is created, no positive action can be taken," he added. Khamenei accused the United States and its allies of being behind the unrest. The Americans and Western intelligence services "backed by the money of some reactionary countries in the region are causing turmoil... to destroy security", he said. "I seize this opportunity to tell those who care about Iraq and Lebanon to remedy insecurity as their priority," Khamenei said, without elaborating. "The biggest damage that enemies can inflict on a country is to deprive that country of security." Tehran has close but complicated relations with Baghdad, holding significant clout among its dominant Shiite political groups. In Lebanon, the Islamic republic has close ties with Hezbollah, a powerful Shiite movement that had ministers in the outgoing government.

Khamenei urges Iraqis, Lebanese to seek demands within law

With secret satellites, pricey messages abroad and&nbsp;clandestine file transfers, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protest-death-toll-nears-100-rights-panel-253906">young Iraqis are circumventing an internet blackout</a> aimed at stifling several days of bloody protests in the capital and beyond.&nbsp;

Authorities restricted access to Facebook and Whatsapp after anti-government demonstrations began on Tuesday,&nbsp;before ordering a total network shutdown on Wednesday.

The termination of Wifi, 3G and 4G access left protestors with just regular phone calls and mobile messages -- a few notable exceptions aside.&nbsp;

Ahmad, 29, works at an internet service provider that helped implement the government's shutdown, but still has internet access at its headquarters.&nbsp;

"I go to the protests in the morning and shoot video on my phone, then use the internet at work to upload them to Facebook or send them to media outside Iraq," he said, using a fake name for fear of retribution or legal action by the government.

Protesters say the internet outage is an attempt to suppress reports of security forces using indiscriminate force including tear gas, live rounds and water cannons.

Ahmad showed AFP footage he planned to send to international media later that evening -- shots could be heard fired across a mostly-empty street in Baghdad&nbsp;as Ahmad and fellow protesters took cover behind a concrete barrier.

"Friends are even giving me the footage they shoot on flash drives so everyone outside Iraq can see what's happening here," said Ahmad.&nbsp;

Before Tuesday, many Iraqis had taken to Facebook and Instagram to call for initial protests against a range of grievances: unemployment, mass government corruption, nepotism, poor public services, and more.&nbsp;

Images of young men and women marching towards the emblematic Tahrir Square flooded social media the first day, using the hashtag #save_Iraqi_people.&nbsp;

When restrictions on Facebook began, Iraqis acted quickly: many downloaded virtual private network (VPN) applications.

Others even began surreptitiously posting the details of the next protests in the comments section of Cinemana, a popular streaming service in Iraq.

But those avenues were shut off by the systemic shutdown.

Those that could afford to, therefore, erected costly satellites on their rooftops to get a window into the outside world.

'Follow the gunfire'

Nearly 100 people have died in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-protests-death-toll-rises-to-73-over-3000-injured-rights-commssion-253886">demonstrations since Tuesday</a>, most of them protesters but also personnel from the security forces, according to authorities.&nbsp;

"They’re trying to fight us not just with arms, but with this blackout," said 31-year-old protester Osama Mohammad.&nbsp;

"We used to check the different neighbourhoods' Facebook pages to know where to go for protests. Now we just follow the sound of gunfire," Mohammad told AFP.

"If they cut off regular phone lines, we'll be completely blind," he noted.&nbsp;

For 25-year-old women's rights activist Rasha, taking to the streets carries too much risk, but she says she has found a different way to get involved.

Every day, her male friends text her dozens of updates from protest squares across the country, which she then texts and phones through to friends in the United Arab Emirates and Europe.

"I'm an intermediary. I can’t protest myself so this is the least I can do," she said, telling AFP the phone credit she buys has cost her around $100 (90 euros) per day for the last three days.

Rasha, who comes from Baghdad, is also saving videos and other unpublished material from one of the first protests that turned violent. She attended that initial demonstration.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"They think we'll forget they fired at us, they think people won’t know. But I've got the videos and I'll publish everything I saw that day the minute the internet comes back," she said.&nbsp;

Jaafar Raad, an unemployed 29-year-old Iraqi who has frequently protested, is also storing dozens of images and videos to release once the blackout is lifted.

He even records voice notes from the protests themselves in applications like Whatsapp and Facebook, so that the audio messages will automatically send to friends abroad and international media outlets as soon as the internet returns.&nbsp;

"People must know what happened to us. This is so we can hold those <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqi-authorities-lift-baghdad-curfew-253920">behind the violence</a> accountable," he told AFP.&nbsp;

With secret satellites, pricey messages abroad and clandestine file transfers, young Iraqis are circumventing an internet blackout aimed at stifling several days of bloody protests in the capital and beyond.

With secret satellites, pricey messages abroad and clandestine file transfers, young Iraqis are circumventing an internet blackout aimed at stifling several days of bloody protests in the capital and beyond. Authorities restricted access to Facebook and Whatsapp after anti-government demonstrations began on Tuesday, before ordering a total network shutdown on Wednesday. The termination of Wifi, 3G and 4G access left protestors with just regular phone calls and mobile messages -- a few notable exceptions aside. Ahmad, 29, works at an internet service provider that helped implement the government's shutdown, but still has internet access at its headquarters. "I go to the protests in the morning and shoot video on my phone, then use the internet at work to upload them to Facebook or send them to media outside Iraq," he said, using a fake name for fear of retribution or legal action by the government. Protesters say the internet outage is an attempt to suppress reports of security forces using indiscriminate force including tear gas, live rounds and water cannons. Ahmad showed AFP footage he planned to send to international media later that evening -- shots could be heard fired across a mostly-empty street in Baghdad as Ahmad and fellow protesters took cover behind a concrete barrier. "Friends are even giving me the footage they shoot on flash drives so everyone outside Iraq can see what's happening here," said Ahmad. Before Tuesday, many Iraqis had taken to Facebook and Instagram to call for initial protests against a range of grievances: unemployment, mass government corruption, nepotism, poor public services, and more. Images of young men and women marching towards the emblematic Tahrir Square flooded social media the first day, using the hashtag #save_Iraqi_people. When restrictions on Facebook began, Iraqis acted quickly: many downloaded virtual private network (VPN) applications. Others even began surreptitiously posting the details of the next protests in the comments section of Cinemana, a popular streaming service in Iraq. But those avenues were shut off by the systemic shutdown. Those that could afford to, therefore, erected costly satellites on their rooftops to get a window into the outside world. 'Follow the gunfire' Nearly 100 people have died in the demonstrations since Tuesday, most of them protesters but also personnel from the security forces, according to authorities. "They’re trying to fight us not just with arms, but with this blackout," said 31-year-old protester Osama Mohammad. "We used to check the different neighbourhoods' Facebook pages to know where to go for protests. Now we just follow the sound of gunfire," Mohammad told AFP. "If they cut off regular phone lines, we'll be completely blind," he noted. For 25-year-old women's rights activist Rasha, taking to the streets carries too much risk, but she says she has found a different way to get involved. Every day, her male friends text her dozens of updates from protest squares across the country, which she then texts and phones through to friends in the United Arab Emirates and Europe. "I'm an intermediary. I can’t protest myself so this is the least I can do," she said, telling AFP the phone credit she buys has cost her around $100 (90 euros) per day for the last three days. Rasha, who comes from Baghdad, is also saving videos and other unpublished material from one of the first protests that turned violent. She attended that initial demonstration. "They think we'll forget they fired at us, they think people won’t know. But I've got the videos and I'll publish everything I saw that day the minute the internet comes back," she said. Jaafar Raad, an unemployed 29-year-old Iraqi who has frequently protested, is also storing dozens of images and videos to release once the blackout is lifted. He even records voice notes from the protests themselves in applications like Whatsapp and Facebook, so that the audio messages will automatically send to friends abroad and international media outlets as soon as the internet returns. "People must know what happened to us. This is so we can hold those behind the violence accountable," he told AFP.

Innovative Iraqis dodge net blackout to illuminate protest violence

Iran seized an Iraqi oil tanker. Iran claimed that it was smuggling oil to the Arab States. This seizure may escalate tensions of Iran with the U.S . & allies.

Iran's claim: Iraqi tanker was carrying 'smuggled fuel'

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/french-submarine-lost-in-1968-located-in-mediterranean-237670&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiTv4HDz83jAhWKsI8KHRFQB5EQFjAEegQIAxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0zsnytPea_NwIasCtp9EJO">French</a> coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said.

The migrants themselves signalled to emergency services they were in distress off Calais and the coastguard mobilised a rescue vessel backed by a helicopter, the local maritime authorities said in a statement.

The migrants were safely returned to the port of Dunkirk and handed over to border police.

Migrants in northern France are increasingly willing to take greater risks to reach Britain due to hardline policing and increased security at ports in the area.

French authorities strongly warn against such attempts, noting that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.

The first months of this year saw a spike in Channel crossings by <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-police-pull-back-from-isolated-outposts-as-losses-mount-238143&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjrid3Xz83jAhWBknAKHftjCXkQFjACegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0kOU8tf-giMAngvnpwP7o6">Afghan</a>, Iranian, Iraqi and African migrants trying to reach England, prompting stepped-up patrols by British and French police.

The French boss of a second-hand boat firm was sentenced to prison in May for selling dozens of vessels to migrants who used them to cross the Channel.

French coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said.

French coastguards on Wednesday rescued 11 migrants, including a woman and two children, after their rigid-hulled inflatable boat hit trouble heading for Britain in the English Channel, authorities said. The migrants themselves signalled to emergency services they were in distress off Calais and the coastguard mobilised a rescue vessel backed by a helicopter, the local maritime authorities said in a statement. The migrants were safely returned to the port of Dunkirk and handed over to border police. Migrants in northern France are increasingly willing to take greater risks to reach Britain due to hardline policing and increased security at ports in the area. French authorities strongly warn against such attempts, noting that the Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. The first months of this year saw a spike in Channel crossings by Afghan, Iranian, Iraqi and African migrants trying to reach England, prompting stepped-up patrols by British and French police. The French boss of a second-hand boat firm was sentenced to prison in May for selling dozens of vessels to migrants who used them to cross the Channel.

French coastguards rescue 11 migrants headed for Britain in Channel

Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces (ICTF) officially entered the eastern outskirt of Mosul, stabilising their presence in the village of Gogjali. Taleb Kanani, the ICTF commander, told reporters on the ground that the area is now under full control of the Iraqi army.

According to a BBC reporter who followed the operation embedded, regular forces faced strong resistance.

The advance is ongoing and Iraqi troops are moving forward. According to Lieutenant&nbsp;General&nbsp;Abdul Amir Rasheed Jarallah, the deputy-commander for the Joint Operations, the ninth&nbsp;division has entered Judaydat al-Mufti, a neighbourhood located south of Gogjali.

It is the first time in&nbsp;two years that a regular force has crossed&nbsp;the border&nbsp;of the Islamic State&#39;s (IS) de facto Iraqi capital. However,&nbsp;it is unlikely that this battle could represent an early end to&nbsp;the offensive:&nbsp;there are still many villages located on the belt surrounding Mosul which&nbsp;need to be reconquered and secured, especially on the northern side.&nbsp;

But the possibility of&nbsp;conquering and securing&nbsp;even a small&nbsp;portion of the city&nbsp;represents a major success in the offensive to drive&nbsp;IS out of Mosul.&nbsp;

The Iraqi army will have the possibility to launch regular raids to weaken and test the enemy&rsquo;s line of defence and to intercept their communications, opening an entire new phase of the offensive based on urban-style guerrilla combat.

The offensive proceeds as scheduled and the plan to choke the city from several areas is taking place. Mosul is also under attack from the western front, where several militias, predominantly Shiite, launched an offensive to reconquer the town of Tal Afar.

Meanwhile, Turkey is deploying a significant number of soldiers&nbsp;and tanks in the town of Silopi, near the Iraqi border. Turkish defence minister Fikri Isik declared that his country has&nbsp;the right&nbsp;to act in order to protect its citizens from terrorism, and that they have no &ldquo;obligation&rdquo; to wait behind its borders while threats increase.

&nbsp;

A war with parallel wars&nbsp;

It seems, though, that Isik&#39;s main concern is not the Islamic State but the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK)&nbsp;and the Shia militias based west of&nbsp;Mosul, both perceived as threats to the ethnic Sunni Turkmen population living in the area.&nbsp;

Turkish&nbsp;President Erdogan declared on Saturday that Ankara will have a &ldquo;different response&rdquo; in case Shiite militias would &ldquo;cause terror&rdquo; in Tal Afar. Erdogan&rsquo;s fears are not unfounded: the NGO Human Rights Watch documented and reported the many abuses perpetrated by Shia militias against Sunni civilians in recent operations, especially the ones to reconquer the city of Fallujah.

Defending human rights is not the only variable.&nbsp;Many Shia militias are under direct Iranian influence, and by tackling them&nbsp;Turkey is also tackling Tehran&#39;s willingness to extend its area of influence beyond its western borders.

The PKK, a socialist organisation classified as terrorists by Turkey, has a significant presence in the western Iraqi constituency of Sinjar, a mainly Yazidi town which their guerrilla soldiers contributed to reconquer from Islamic State in 2015. The PKK guerrillas have also participated in the operation to defeat the Islamic State commando who attacked the city of Kirkuk one week ago, and are&nbsp;willing to take part in the Mosul offensive. This could earn further political legitimacy to an organisation with whom Turkey fought a three-decade separatist insurgency, an eventuality Ankara would certainly not permit.

The situation between the PKK and Turkey is currently at its lowest. After the July coup, Ankara gave new lifeline to its attacks against the organisation&nbsp;and are generally against the Kurds living on its soil;&nbsp;many government employees hit by the purge were Kurdish. Ankara is also constantly bombing the Qandil mountains in Iraq.&nbsp;

Kurdistan, where the organisation has its headquarters as well as many cities in southeast Turkey, is&nbsp;traditionally a PKK controlled area.

For the last three weeks the Turkish presence on Iraqi soil has been the object of a dispute with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Habadi, who has repeatedly asked Turkey not to deploy its troops during the Mosul offensive. Ankara did not follow this request&nbsp;since Turkish tanks have been deployed on the frontline during the offensive against Bashiqa, on the eastern front.

The offensive to reconquer Mosul is not only a matter of national Iraqi interest, but also a war made of parallel wars where two major regional players, Iran and Turkey, are trying to expand their influence.&nbsp;

(WION)

While Iraqi forces enter the IS stronghold's boundaries for the first time in two years, Turkey deploys soldiers and tanks on the border

Iraqi Counter Terrorism Forces (ICTF) officially entered the eastern outskirt of Mosul, stabilising their presence in the village of Gogjali. Taleb Kanani, the ICTF commander, told reporters on the ground that the area is now under full control of the Iraqi army. According to a BBC reporter who followed the operation embedded, regular forces faced strong resistance. The advance is ongoing and Iraqi troops are moving forward. According to Lieutenant General Abdul Amir Rasheed Jarallah, the deputy-commander for the Joint Operations, the ninth division has entered Judaydat al-Mufti, a neighbourhood located south of Gogjali. It is the first time in two years that a regular force has crossed the border of the Islamic State's (IS) de facto Iraqi capital. However, it is unlikely that this battle could represent an early end to the offensive: there are still many villages located on the belt surrounding Mosul which need to be reconquered and secured, especially on the northern side. But the possibility of conquering and securing even a small portion of the city represents a major success in the offensive to drive IS out of Mosul. The Iraqi army will have the possibility to launch regular raids to weaken and test the enemy’s line of defence and to intercept their communications, opening an entire new phase of the offensive based on urban-style guerrilla combat. The offensive proceeds as scheduled and the plan to choke the city from several areas is taking place. Mosul is also under attack from the western front, where several militias, predominantly Shiite, launched an offensive to reconquer the town of Tal Afar. Meanwhile, Turkey is deploying a significant number of soldiers and tanks in the town of Silopi, near the Iraqi border. Turkish defence minister Fikri Isik declared that his country has the right to act in order to protect its citizens from terrorism, and that they have no “obligation” to wait behind its borders while threats increase. A war with parallel wars It seems, though, that Isik's main concern is not the Islamic State but the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and the Shia militias based west of Mosul, both perceived as threats to the ethnic Sunni Turkmen population living in the area. Turkish President Erdogan declared on Saturday that Ankara will have a “different response” in case Shiite militias would “cause terror” in Tal Afar. Erdogan’s fears are not unfounded: the NGO Human Rights Watch documented and reported the many abuses perpetrated by Shia militias against Sunni civilians in recent operations, especially the ones to reconquer the city of Fallujah. Defending human rights is not the only variable. Many Shia militias are under direct Iranian influence, and by tackling them Turkey is also tackling Tehran's willingness to extend its area of influence beyond its western borders. The PKK, a socialist organisation classified as terrorists by Turkey, has a significant presence in the western Iraqi constituency of Sinjar, a mainly Yazidi town which their guerrilla soldiers contributed to reconquer from Islamic State in 2015. The PKK guerrillas have also participated in the operation to defeat the Islamic State commando who attacked the city of Kirkuk one week ago, and are willing to take part in the Mosul offensive. This could earn further political legitimacy to an organisation with whom Turkey fought a three-decade separatist insurgency, an eventuality Ankara would certainly not permit. The situation between the PKK and Turkey is currently at its lowest. After the July coup, Ankara gave new lifeline to its attacks against the organisation and are generally against the Kurds living on its soil; many government employees hit by the purge were Kurdish. Ankara is also constantly bombing the Qandil mountains in Iraq. Kurdistan, where the organisation has its headquarters as well as many cities in southeast Turkey, is traditionally a PKK controlled area. For the last three weeks the Turkish presence on Iraqi soil has been the object of a dispute with Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Habadi, who has repeatedly asked Turkey not to deploy its troops during the Mosul offensive. Ankara did not follow this request since Turkish tanks have been deployed on the frontline during the offensive against Bashiqa, on the eastern front. The offensive to reconquer Mosul is not only a matter of national Iraqi interest, but also a war made of parallel wars where two major regional players, Iran and Turkey, are trying to expand their influence. (WION)

Iraqi forces gain foothold in Mosul's eastern outskirt

Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi held talks in Baghdad with America&#39;s top military officer today, discussing plans to oust the Islamic State group from second city Mosul, his office said. 
 
Washington is leading an international coalition that is carrying out air strikes against IS as well as providing training, advice and other support to Iraqi forces.&nbsp;Abadi and general Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, discussed boosting &quot;cooperation between the two countries in the fields of training and arming, ongoing international coalition support for Iraq... and plans to liberate Mosul,&quot; a statement said. 
 
Iraqi forces are conducting operations to set the stage for an assault on Mosul, which has been held by IS since June 2014, but the final push to retake it is likely still months away.&nbsp;Defence minister Khalid al-Obeidi has said that IS leaders and their families have sold their belongings and fled the city as Iraqi forces close in. 
 
Mosul is the last city held by IS in Iraq, but retaking it poses a major challenge, and the operation could unleash a humanitarian crisis unless plans are made for people who would likely flee the fighting. 
 
The Red Cross has said it believes that up to a million Iraqis could be displaced in the coming months by fighting against IS, including the operation to recapture Mosul.&nbsp;IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but has since lost significant ground to Iraqi forces. 
 
(AFP)

Iraqi forces along with international coalition group are conducting operations to liberate Mosul, which has been held by IS since June 2014

Iraqi prime minister Haider al-Abadi held talks in Baghdad with America's top military officer today, discussing plans to oust the Islamic State group from second city Mosul, his office said. Washington is leading an international coalition that is carrying out air strikes against IS as well as providing training, advice and other support to Iraqi forces. Abadi and general Joseph Dunford, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff, discussed boosting "cooperation between the two countries in the fields of training and arming, ongoing international coalition support for Iraq... and plans to liberate Mosul," a statement said. Iraqi forces are conducting operations to set the stage for an assault on Mosul, which has been held by IS since June 2014, but the final push to retake it is likely still months away. Defence minister Khalid al-Obeidi has said that IS leaders and their families have sold their belongings and fled the city as Iraqi forces close in. Mosul is the last city held by IS in Iraq, but retaking it poses a major challenge, and the operation could unleash a humanitarian crisis unless plans are made for people who would likely flee the fighting. The Red Cross has said it believes that up to a million Iraqis could be displaced in the coming months by fighting against IS, including the operation to recapture Mosul. IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but has since lost significant ground to Iraqi forces. (AFP)

Iraq PM talks about defeating IS with top US officer

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