Baghdad: Baghdad newspapers, issued on Monday, July 28, focused on the aftermath of an armed attack targeting a government office in the Karkh district of the capital. They also highlighted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s directives on enhancing public safety and preventing the recurrence of such incidents. Coverage also included the Islamic Day Conference on Combating Violence Against Women.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Al-Sabah newspaper, published by the Iraqi Media Network, spotlighted Prime Minister Al-Sudani’s firm stance during an emergency security meeting. He emphasized that the authority of the state and the rule of law are non-negotiable. ‘No one is above the state, and no entity is authorized to act outside the institutional framework,’ Al-Sudani asserted.

The emergency meeting included the Deputy Commander of Joint Operations, the Baghdad Operations Commander, and senior security officials, who reviewed the details of the attack, carried out by an armed group that moved wit
hout prior coordination or official security approval and attempted to seize a government agricultural building.

The newspaper reported that Al-Sudani issued strict instructions to conduct a thorough investigation to uncover the full circumstances of the incident and identify the group behind the unauthorized armed operation. He stressed, ‘No one has the right to replace the state or its legitimate authorities.’

A government statement, also cited by the newspaper, confirmed that Al-Sudani ordered the formation of a high-level investigative committee to look into the movement of the armed group without proper orders and their engagement in gunfire against the security forces assigned to protect the government facility.

Al-Sabah newspaper reported that the Coordination Framework held an emergency meeting to discuss the recent assault on a Directorate of Agriculture. The Framework strongly condemned the incident, describing it as ‘a violation of the law and the state’s established procedures,’ and affirmed it
s full support for judicial and governmental measures aimed at enforcing security, upholding the rule of law, and preserving state authority.

The newspaper further noted that the Joint Operations Command announced the arrest of 14 suspects in connection with the assault. Identity verification revealed that the individuals belonged to the Popular Mobilization Forces’ (PMF) 45th and 46th brigades. They have since been referred to the judiciary.

In response, the PMF issued a statement reiterating its firm commitment to the directives of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. The statement emphasized that the organization ‘will not tolerate any member who disobeys orders or violates security protocols.’

In another development, Al-Zawraa newspaper, published by the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate, highlighted Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani’s directives regarding public safety and the prevention of recurring tragic incidents.

According to the report, Sudani chaired a high-level meeting with relevant mi
nisters to assess civil defense and safety measures in public institutions and spaces. During the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of implementing effective actions to prevent future accidents and fires, particularly in commercial zones and areas of economic activity.

A formal statement quoted by the newspaper said that Sudani emphasized the need for swift, pre-planned, and well-considered responses, which can only be achieved by having officials present on the ground. He instructed provincial governors to prioritize the work of civil defense committees and enforce all safety protocols in detail, while also cracking down on clear violations that have led to the loss of innocent lives.

Al-Zaman followed the proceedings of the “Islamic Day for Combating Violence Against Women” conference, organized by the National Wisdom Movement. The event saw active participation from Iraq’s four presidencies, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to addressing all forms of violence and violations again
st women. They called for the adoption of strict legislation and effective policies to end marginalization and enhance women’s participation across state institutions.

In his speech at the conference, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani highlighted a number of government initiatives aimed at supporting women. These include the National Strategy for Women, the National Strategy to Combat Violence Against Women, the Third National Action Plan for Women, Peace, and Security, as well as the activation of the Yazidi Female Survivors Law.

Al-Sudani also revealed that shelters have been opened in four provinces for women without safe housing, and that the government has increased the social welfare ceiling for female heads of households. Over 576,000 women have now been included in social protection programs, he added.

President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid urged Parliament to pass laws that ensure justice for women, stating that “violence against women contradicts the values of divine messages, constitutions, an
d laws, all of which call for honoring women and preserving their dignity.”

Speaker of Parliament Mahmoud Al-Mashhadani praised Iraqi women as symbols of resilience and sacrifice, despite enduring the ravages of war, sanctions, and marginalization. He emphasized the responsibility of legislators to activate laws that combat violence against women and protect their role in society.

Meanwhile, Head of the Supreme Judicial Council, Judge Faiq Zaidan, called for a review of existing laws that contain loopholes hindering efforts to combat violence against women. He reiterated that the judiciary places the issue at the top of its priorities.