Latest news with #Al-Khafaji
Iraqi News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq Receives 4 Thales Radars and Anticipates the Arrival of 6 Caracal Drones
Baghdad – INA The Ministry of Defense announced today, Friday, Iraq's most significant contracts in the fields of armament, air defense, and cybersecurity. While indicating the receipt of 6 Caracal drones in the middle of next month, it also confirmed the receipt of French Thales radars that cover wide areas of Iraqi airspace. The Director of the Ministry's Media and Moral Guidance Directorate, Major General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA): "The Caracal drones, which were contracted as part of plans to strengthen the Iraqi Air Force, will arrive in the middle of next month," indicating that "Iraq will receive six aircraft this year, while 14 others will arrive during the next year." He added, "Three advanced boats were received from Turkey this year, which represents a significant development in our naval capabilities," noting that "work is also continuing in the field of cybersecurity, particularly with regard to the anti-drone system, in cooperation with Spain." He continued, "This system specializes in countering drones, as it monitors their hertzian frequencies and electronically shoots them down. It is part of modern cyber defense technologies." Regarding military manufacturing, Al-Khafaji emphasized that "military manufacturing is witnessing tangible growth, especially in meeting the needs of ground forces for binoculars and weapons. Contracts have been signed with advanced entities in this field, which have proven highly efficient and provided the security forces with what they need." He noted that "Iraq has extensive experience in the form of engineers and officers, and we have advanced international relationships that have enabled us to learn about the latest global systems in armament and organization." Regarding air defense, Al-Khafaji confirmed that "Iraq has obtained four French-made Thales radars that cover large areas of Iraq. Additional low-altitude radars have also been acquired, with three of them received so far as part of a larger batch awaiting delivery. This will contribute to meeting national air defense requirements." He pointed out that "the armament process in Iraq is carried out according to integrated planning between the Air Force, Air Defense, Army Aviation, and the Ground Forces, to ensure the integration of the weapons system and to meet the needs of each military branch." He stated that "the fundamental issue in armament is the availability of a financial budget, as armament is expensive and requires infrastructure and continuous maintenance, especially with the diversity of armament sources, which requires careful planning and an appropriate environment." He explained that "the availability of funds allows us to keep pace with the times and keep pace with changing challenges, and develop the necessary plans to confront them and mitigate their impact." He explained that "the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, during an important meeting held recently that included the Ministers of Defense and Interior and a number of security agencies, emphasized the importance of a strategic vision for future armament, in line with Iraq's defense and security requirements."
Shafaq News
01-05-2025
- Health
- Shafaq News
Dhi Qar leads Iraq in CCHF: 15 cases reported
Shafaq News/ Dhi Qar has become Iraq's top province for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF), with more than 10 confirmed cases, the province's Health Committee reported on Thursday. Committee Chairman Ahmad Al-Khafaji told Shafaq News that the number of cases in Dhi Qar reached 15, attributing the surge to two main factors. First, the veterinary hospital in Al-Nasiriyah lacks sufficient staff, requiring 100 more veterinarians to handle the outbreak. "The current team is overwhelmed, and more personnel are needed.' 'There is also weak oversight by municipal authorities, which has allowed uncontrolled livestock movement in urban areas and unsupervised slaughtering,' he added. 'Daily monitoring and prompt reporting are essential." Al-Khafaji further pointed to security gaps at checkpoints, which allow animals to move freely within and outside the province, accusing the local government of failing to address the crisis. According to Shafaq News tracker, CCHF has led to 35 confirmed cases across the country, with four deaths in Kirkuk, two in Muthanna, and one in Diyala. The authorities in different provinces took strict measures to fight the endemic.
Iraqi News
22-04-2025
- Politics
- Iraqi News
Iraq: Ur 2 drill for the first time in the Middle East
The Director of the Media Directorate at the Ministry of Defense, Major General Tahseen Al-Khafaji, confirmed on Tuesday that the international strategic drill (Ur 2), which was conducted today with the participation of five countries, is the first of its kind in the Middle East. "The Air Force is experiencing a qualitative leap in capabilities, reflecting Iraq's development in absorbing military technology, thanks to the direct support of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Muhammed S. Al-Sudani," said Al-Khafaji in a statement to Al-Iraqiya News TV channel - followed by the Iraqi News Agency - INA. "Iraqi Air Force aircraft participated in complex drills in the (Ur 2) to formulate joint work with advanced institutions and support ground forces towards a specific target, with very precise timing and very accurate execution," he noted, adding, "The execution of airstrike directives today is taking place in seconds and minutes, demonstrating a qualitative leap in the development, training, and performance of the Air Force, reflecting Iraq's progress in absorbing technology." He explained that "the Ur 2 drill is unique and was held with the participation of five countries: the Iraqi, American, Italian, French, and Jordanian air forces. This is the first time this type of drill has taken place in the Middle East." "The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Al-Sudani, supports the security forces, particularly the Iraqi Army and the Air Force, which is Iraq's long-standing weapon and arm in protecting the security and safety of Iraq's skies," Al-Khafaji explained, noting that "the financial allocations and great interest of the Commander-in-Chief in developing the Iraqi Air Force have had a positive impact, as demonstrated by today's exercise." Al-Khafajiv pointed out, "With the support provided by the Commander-in-Chief and the Minister of Defense, we have the financial and human capabilities to accommodate the technology, business, and significant developments in the aviation industry," adding, that "this has been proven after Iraq received the most complex weapons, including the Air Force." He highlighted that "the Air Force Command now possesses several advanced aircraft, such as F-16s from the United States, T-50s from South Korea, advanced surveillance and training aircraft such as the Cessna Caravan, advanced CH5 and CH4 air surveillance aircraft from the People's Republic of China, in addition to 159L close air support aircraft from the Czech Republic." "This diversity of resources is a diversity in increasing and building capabilities. This underscores the importance of diversifying resources, as well as the ability to absorb the most complex weapons, prepare a suitable environment for pilots, and receive students to train pilots and engineers," he underscored. The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces attended the "Ur 2" drill on Tuesday and emphasized the government's efforts to build and develop the Air Force according to modern principles.
Shafaq News
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
MPs push for answers: Will engineer Basheer's report be revealed today?
Shafaq News/ On Tuesday, Iraqi lawmaker Mohammed Al-Khafaji warned he would go public with the findings of a parliamentary fact-finding committee if its report on the controversial death of engineer Basheer Khaled Lateef is not presented in today's parliamentary session. Speaking to Shafaq News Agency, Al-Khafaji said the report was completed on Saturday and submitted to the Speaker of Parliament. 'We informed the presidency of the Council of Representatives, and we were expecting the report to be on Monday's session agenda,' Al-Khafaji said. 'But I was surprised it wasn't included.' He stressed that the Speaker and his deputies had been notified of the "need to present the report during today's session." Engineer Basheer Khaled Lateef died on April 7 from what authorities claimed was kidney failure while in custody at Baghdad's Hatteen police station. His death ignited nationwide outrage after a video surfaced showing him being assaulted inside the station before his transfer to the Interior Ministry's central prison. Amid mounting public outrage, First Deputy Speaker of Parliament Mohsen al-Mandalawi on April 10 directed the Parliamentary Order No. 63 Committee to summon all officers and commanders linked to the case. He also ordered the committee to deliver a detailed report to parliament's leadership to pave the way for decisive action. A security source told Shafaq News on Saturday that Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari had established high-level committees to carry out sweeping reforms across police stations and departments. The source noted that new appointments would be driven by professionalism, integrity, and investigative expertise. The source emphasized that the newly formed bodies rank among the largest investigative committees in the Interior Ministry's history. In a related shake-up, Al-Shammari dismissed Major General Khalid al-Muhanna, the ministry's Director of Relations and Media, and appointed Brigadier General Muqdad Miri as his replacement. Miri will also assume duties as the ministry's official spokesperson.
Shafaq News
14-04-2025
- Shafaq News
Influencer acid attack: Intelligence arrests two in Karbala
Shafaq News/ On Sunday, Iraqi intelligence forces arrested two suspects in Karbala in connection with an acid attack that seriously injured Iraqi social media influencer Noor al-Khafaji, a security source said. The arrests occurred inside al-Harith mall and involved a National Security Service officer and an Iranian national, the source told Shafaq News. Authorities seized large sums of cash and weapons fitted with silencers during the operation. The detainees were reportedly transferred to a special holding facility for further investigation. Al-Khafaji was attacked with 'Teezab,' or acid, several weeks ago, suffering severe burns and facial disfigurement. The incident drew widespread public outrage and calls for enhanced protections for women and public figures. The case is the latest in a series of targeted attacks on prominent individuals in Iraq. Security agencies have recorded multiple such incidents in recent years, including shootings, bombings, and chemical assaults, prompting growing concern from rights groups and international observers over the safety of activists and online personalities. CCTV footage published by Iraqi journalist and media personality Noor al-Khafaji shows the moment she was attacked with acid by an unidentified man in front of her house in Baghdad on Sunday — The New Region (@thenewregion) February 24, 2025
