The Iraqi prime minister’s financial adviser says the recent rise in the dollar’s parallel-market price is temporary and driven by rumors. He confirms that inflation has dropped to 2.5% and the official exchange rate remains fully stable.
The Kurdistan Regional Meteorological Agency says a new rain wave will begin tomorrow in western areas and then spread across the entire region. Heavy rain, strong winds, and a drop in temperature are expected, with flooding possible in parts of Erbil and Sulaimanyah.
A dispute between two PUK forces led to clashes and the temporary closure of the Bani Maqan checkpoint in Chamchamal. The tension began after checkpoint forces requested ID cards from commando employees.
A meteorologist warned that January 2026 could be very cold, with snow expected in mountainous areas and the center of Sulaimanyah. Heavy rainfall is also forecast in some regions next week.
The Kurdistan Region’s Election Commission says the salary distribution date is still undecided due to new federal payment procedures. Efforts are underway to resolve technical issues and begin delivering funds to employees.
A 21-year-old man injured in the Lajan village clashes has died after more than six days in the hospital. The incident occurred after residents protested over lack of job opportunities, leading KDP forces to respond with gunfire and later evacuate the village.
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani said he is committed to building a friendship with the United States that serves Iraq’s stability and development. President Donald Trump praised Sudani, calling him a friend and expressing surprise at being nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
The new generation movement denied reports attributed to its members in KDP-affiliated media, calling the published information false and unethical. The movement stressed that no official or volunteer has spoken to channels funded by what it described as “the nation’s stolen money.”
The UN has urged the swift formation of the next Kurdistan Regional Government to help stabilize relations between Baghdad and Erbil. The Security Council discussed delays and emphasized that a new cabinet would support resolving outstanding disputes.
The Erbil Security Committee says a group attempted to incite chaos and target public and official buildings in Khabat. One suspect, identified as Nechirwan Isa Mirmsu, was arrested and accused of encouraging violence.
An NRT reporting team was arrested by KDP forces in Khabat, where parts of their journalistic equipment were damaged and others confiscated. The incident involved reporter Shiraz Abdullah and cameraman Najmaddin Sadiqi.
The Kurdistan Region has recorded 87 new AIDS cases this year, including 64 foreigners and 23 local residents. Health officials say more than 600 blood tests were conducted in the past 11 months as part of routine screening and prevention programs.
Local sources say KDP forces evacuated residents of Lajan village and detained more than 20 individuals. Communication lines were reportedly cut during the operation, limiting contact with the outside world.
The PUK and KDP are set to meet in Erbil to discuss the formation of a new cabinet and the distribution of remaining posts. More than 14 months after the elections, the new government has yet to be formed.
The new generation movement visited those injured in the Lajan demonstration, criticizing the government for using force against civilians demanding their rights. The faction called for the withdrawal of security forces from the village.
The father of the young man killed in Lajan says his son was Kurdish, not Turkish, and was simply working as a truck driver when he was stopped during the demonstration. He also denied claims linking his son to any political or regional affiliations.
Electricity Minister Kamal Mohammed said the region’s electricity supply has been disrupted for more than 72 hours due to the Kormor attacks. Gas is currently being transported to power plants by tankers until repairs are completed.
The Sulaimanyah Traffic Directorate has installed new speed cameras at Aram Intersection on Malik Mahmoud Ring Road. The system will be tested for two weeks before official enforcement begins.
The body of a young migrant from Ranya, who died two years ago in the Aegean Sea, will be returned today to the Kurdistan Region. His remains, previously buried in Italy, will arrive at Erbil Airport before being taken to Raperin for burial
The KRG Ministry of Electricity says most technical issues at Dana Gas have been resolved. Gas production is expected to resume soon, with immediate transfer to power plants once operations restart.