Baghdad: Today’s Baghdad newspapers focused on the commemoration of Victory Day and the ongoing impact of heavy rains and flash floods across several provinces.
According to National Iraqi News Agency, the state-run newspaper Al-Sabah reported that Iraqis marked on Wednesday, December 10, the eighth anniversary of the victory over ISIS, a national occasion symbolizing the resilience of the Iraqi people and the heroism of security forces in confronting terrorist groups.
Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani reaffirmed Iraq’s ability to safeguard its security and stability, stressing that terrorists and criminals will not escape justice. He congratulated the Iraqi people on the anniversary, noting that caring for the families of martyrs and the wounded is not a gesture of charity, but the least that can be offered to those who sacrificed.
Former spokesman for the Commander-in-Chief, Major General Yahya Rasool, described Victory Day as a moment to honor the nation’s sacrifices, emphasizing that the will of Iraqis and their armed forces proved stronger than all attempts by terrorism. He highlighted the crucial role of the Supreme Religious Authority’s fatwa, which was issued by Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, in boosting morale and mobilizing fighters, calling for this historic chapter to be documented for future generations as a lesson in national unity and sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Interior Ministry spokesperson Colonel Abbas Al-Bahadli stressed that the anniversary is an opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of the security forces, army, and Popular Mobilization Forces, noting that Iraq’s victories contributed not only to national security but also to regional and international stability.
The newspaper Al-Zawraa, issued by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, highlighted Prime Minister, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s reaffirmation that Victory Day must be immortalized and taught to future generations and to the world so they can grasp its true significance.
During a meeting with a group of wounded heroes from the armed forces, Al-Sudani stated that terrorist plots targeting Iraq began in 2003, carried out by misguided groups that represent neither religion nor sect, and that committed atrocities amounting to crimes against humanity and acts of genocide. He stressed that Iraq has successfully exposed these groups’ true nature to the world.
The prime minister praised the sacrifices of Iraq’s defenders, describing their heroism as a bright and ending chapter in the nation’s history. He congratulated them on the eighth anniversary of the great victory over terrorism.
Al-Sudani also emphasized the pivotal role of the historic fatwa issued by the Supreme Religious Authority in Najaf, which called upon all patriots to defend the nation. Iraqis responded with unity across all communities, standing together to liberate their land from terrorist control. He underscored the importance of preserving and showcasing the epic story of the liberation battles and the eradication of ISIS as a monumental national achievement.
According to Al-Zawraa, the prime minister added that celebrating this anniversary is a source of strength for the state and its people, expressing pride in the security forces. He reiterated that Victory Day must be commemorated and taught, so that future generations and the world recognize the magnitude of this defining moment in Iraq’s modern history. Al-Sudani affirmed his government’s commitment to continuing the path of service and nation-building in honor of those who sacrificed their lives for Iraq.
The newspaper Al-Zaman focused on the aftermath of the flash floods that swept through the province severals, causing both human and material losses.
According to the paper, torrential rains triggered severe flooding across multiple regions, cutting off major roads, submerging vehicles, and inundating homes. Eyewitnesses reported the collapse of several buildings and schools in Chamchamal, in Sulaymaniyah governorate, as a result of the flooding.
Witnesses also told the newspaper that the floods severed key routes connecting Iraqi provinces with the Kurdistan region. Heavy rainfall across several governorates led to the closure of numerous roads and the flooding of residential homes and government buildings. Meanwhile, the director of Shorash subdistrict, Hawta Aziz, confirmed the death of a 70-year-old man after a wall collapsed on him due to the floods.
Al-Zaman added that the floods cut the main highway linking Kirkuk with Baghdad, Tuz Khurmatu, and Daquq, while part of the Baghdad-Mosul road near Makhoul village in Salah al-Din was submerged, disrupting traffic. In Tuz Khurmatu, the bridge connecting the city to Kirkuk collapsed, leading to a complete halt in movement.
The newspaper noted that the death toll has risen to three, with five others injured, while rescue teams managed to retrieve 23 stranded individuals and save two more in Daquq. The Health Directorate of Kirkuk also announced the death of a seven-year-old girl who drowned in one of the villages.
Al-Zaman reported that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani ordered the establishment of an advanced crisis-management center in Kirkuk and Salah al-Din following the floods, and instructed authorities to provide relief to residents in the Kurdistan region affected by the heavy rainfall.
A government statement said that Al-Sudani is closely monitoring the situation in the flood-hit areas, where dozens of families were trapped and several neighborhoods were submerged across Kirkuk, Salah al-Din, Erbil, and Sulaymaniyah.
According to the statement, the prime minister directed the deployment of army aviation aircraft for evacuation operations once weather conditions improve, and ordered immediate efforts to reopen roads and repair damaged bridges. He also instructed the National Crisis Management Center, the Ministry of Finance, and other relevant bodies to provide urgent support and release emergency funds to ensure full relief assistance for affected families in the Kurdistan region.