
Iraqi PM inaugurates Mosul airport on anniversary of city's liberation from ISIS
At least 50 killed, dozens missing in Iraq shopping mall fire
Cardinal Sako urges Iraqi PM to halt 'violations' against Christian sites in Najaf
Senior KDP, PUK figures to meet Iraqi PM amid financial crisis
Iraq's three presidencies condemn 'drone attacks' on Kurdistan oil fields
A+ A-
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani inaugurated Mosul International Airport on Wednesday, on the anniversary of the city's liberation from the Islamic State (ISIS).
In a brief statement on X, Sudani's office confirmed the news, sharing pictures of the inauguration ceremony.
Mosul, the capital of Iraq's northern Nineveh province, was captured by ISIS in June 2014 during the group's rapid expansion across Iraq and Syria. The airport was heavily damaged during the occupation, and the city was declared the capital of ISIS' so-called caliphate.
Reconstruction of the airport began in August 2022 with a budget of around 200 billion Iraqi dinars (approximately $142.8 million).
The reopening was initially set for June 10 to mark the anniversary of the airport's fall to ISIS - a symbolic gesture meant to 'send a message of defiance against terrorism,' said Mohammed Kakayi, head of Nineveh's provincial council security committee, in an interview with Rudaw in early June. He added that the ceremony was postponed due to the prime minister's crowded schedule.
Originally established in 1920, the airport spans roughly 1,600 dunams. It marked a key milestone in early June when a plane completed the first test landing in over a decade.
Nineveh Governor Abdulqadir al-Dakhil, who was aboard the test flight, called it 'historic' and 'long awaited.'
Speaking to the state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA), he confirmed that 'preparations for the inauguration of Mosul International Airport have been completed.
'The airport will officially open soon,' Dakhil then said.
During its occupation of Mosul, ISIS imposed a harsh interpretation of Sharia law, carried out widespread human rights violations, and destroyed numerous religious and cultural sites.
A major operation to retake the city began in October 2016, led by Iraqi forces with critical support from the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Kurdish Peshmerga forces also played a vital role in the offensive, particularly in securing the eastern and northern flanks, clearing surrounding areas, and cutting off ISIS supply lines.
Mosul International Airport was recaptured in February 2017, and the city was officially declared liberated on July 10 of the same year.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Rudaw Net
8 minutes ago
- Rudaw Net
Iraq eyeing 'sustainable' diversification away from oil: PM advisor
Also in Iraq Diyala council seeks to block Qaratapa district upgrade Iraq's ruling coalition condemns drone attacks on Kurdistan Region Iraqi parliament fails to discuss drone attacks on Kurdistan Region Iraq's top court rejects lawsuits against Kurdish parliament A+ A- ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq is implementing sweeping reforms aimed at building a sustainable, diversified economy less dependent on volatile oil revenues, a financial advisor to the prime minister said on Tuesday. 'The government has sought to implement a package of fundamental reforms aimed at increasing non-oil revenues and reducing dependence on volatile oil revenues,' Mazhar Mohammed Salih told state media, citing tax reform, service fee adjustments, and customs modernization as key measures. He said Iraq's 'internal stability' is 'a key pillar' of these efforts, creating an improved investment environment supported by positive international credit ratings. "These combined indicators give Iraq a real opportunity to build a more stable and prosperous future,' Salih added, noting that dozens of previously stalled major projects have resumed. The reforms include automating tax collection, combating evasion, revising government service pricing, and digitizing customs and border procedures in cooperation with international bodies such as the United Nations. 'What distinguishes this stability is its superiority over its turbulent regional surroundings,' he said, highlighting Iraq's relative calm amid regional tensions. Iraq is undertaking a significant push to overhaul its economy, aiming to reduce its entrenched dependence on volatile oil revenues and foster sustainable growth. 'The government is working to build a sustainable revenue base that is independent of oil market fluctuations, supports economic growth plans, and enhances the country's financial stability, which is the main goal of prosperity and the essence of economic reform,' Salih explained. Iraq's economy is heavily reliant on its oil sector. It is also among the global nations most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including food and water insecurity. This winter, Iraq has received just a fraction of the rainfall it saw the year before. Iraq passed its highly-contentious budget bill for the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 in June 2023, which includes a record $152 billion in spending. The massive expenditure sparked concerns of instability should oil prices drop below the $70 per barrel threshold set in the bill. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said at the time that the record-high budget was aimed at addressing pressing social needs, enhancing infrastructure development, and fostering economic progress.


Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
SDF: Disarmament currently impossible
Shafaq News – Damascus The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) will not disarm under current conditions, SDF spokesperson Abgar Dawood said on Tuesday, citing ongoing instability and security threats. Speaking to Kurdish media outlets, Dawood added that the SDF could integrate into the Syrian army if a constitutional framework acknowledging the Kurdish community's distinct status is established. 'The SDF is not in favor of war, but it will defend its people wherever it is present.' The SDF has recently deployed additional units to front-line areas in eastern Aleppo province, as well as northern and western parts of Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria. The move follows skirmishes with public security forces and Turkish-backed armed factions, amid rising tensions linked to developments in Suwayda. On March 10, interim Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa and SDF Commander Mazloum Abdi signed an agreement under which Kurdish fighters would be incorporated into the armed forces of the transitional government.


Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Leader Barzani hails Kurdish resolve as Baghdad releases KRG salaries
Shafaq News – Erbil On Tuesday, Kurdish Leader Masoud Barzani expressed gratitude to the people of the Kurdistan Region for their resilience, as the Iraqi government began disbursing public sector salaries. 'Thank you, people of Kurdistan. Despite all the pressures, you remained steadfast as always,' Barzani declared in a message. 'You are a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice, and I am proud of you.' The message came shortly after the Iraqi Ministry of Finance announced the release of May salaries, following the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)'s transfer of oil and non-oil revenues under a recent agreement with Baghdad.