Iraqi authorities said a retired judge and a former adviser were rescued in Baghdad after being held for 48 hours. The rescue took place about three weeks before it was announced on October 10, 2026.
Iraq’s government is negotiating a timetable to bring armed factions’ weapons under state control. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi said Baghdad aims to complete the process by June 30, 2027, but the final arrangements remain unsettled.
A Kurdish businessman released 28 mountain goats near Sulaymaniyah, Iraq, in a personal effort to support local wildlife. Residents were asked to help protect the animals, while forest police warned against hunting them.
Recent reports review the Iraqi government’s first 100 days, including its stated anti-corruption measures and plan for state control of weapons. The reports also note an incomplete cabinet and continuing challenges in oil, public finances, and water.
Saudi Arabia said its air defenses intercepted and destroyed drones that it said came from Iraqi territory and targeted oil facilities. Iraq opened an investigation and said it rejects the use of its territory to attack neighboring countries.
Iraq’s cabinet has activated a framework water agreement with Türkiye. The mechanism for financing projects under the agreement is scheduled to take effect on September 1, 2026.
Syrian and Iraqi oil companies have agreed to rehabilitate the Kirkuk–Baniyas pipeline. The project could eventually provide Iraq with another route for exporting oil through the Mediterranean.
