Iraq sentences two sorcerers to five years in prison

A Basra court sentences two to over five years in prison over witchcraft and extortion

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Water crisis in Basra’s Deir threatens health, safety

Deir district in northern Basra is facing a severe water crisis, with high salt levels making water unsafe for drinking or farming. Residents and officials told The New Region that the crisis has impacted the ecosystem and that more than 400 people have fallen sick.

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PM Sudani approves water charges exemption for Basra residents amid saltwater crisis

Ongoing issues with the high salinity of water in Basra province have led to water shortages in southern Iraq, with the measure seeking to alleviate the financial burden on struggling households.

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US sanctions disrupt port operations in Basra, threaten Iraqi oil exports

Experts warn that US-imposed sanctions against Iran-linked oil smuggling from Berth 41 of the Khor al-Zubair Port in Basra could significantly hamper Iraq's oil exports, resulting in severe economic consequences.

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Fired Basra airport director lashes out at 'made up' claims, threatens legal action

Hassan al-Tamimi, the former director of Basra International Airport, told The New Region that has was unfairly dismissed for refusing to comply with directions he deemed professionally unbecoming and ethically dubious, vehemently denying allegations he installed listening devices in the airport.

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Iraq replaces Basra airport chief amid staff complaints, stranded passengers

A source told The New Region that the removal of former director Hassan Abdul-Hadi was not surprising given the "serious" nature of the complaints made by airport staff and a recent situation involving passengers stranded at the airport.

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Basra on the brink: Climate crisis threatens livability, farming, water security

Basra is facing a severe environmental crisis marked by extreme heat, water salinity, and agricultural collapse. With temperatures exceeding 53°C and salinity in the Shatt al-Arab reaching levels near seawater, the province struggles with water scarcity and farm failures.

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Sudani calls for action amid worsening water pollution in Basra

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani led a meeting to address poor public services and environmental challenges in northern Basra.

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Residents in northern Basra protest water pollution crisis

Local residents complain of "an environmental disaster" as a contaminated water supply has left them without clean water for the past three days.

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