60+ people die in a fire at commercial buildings in Iraq, many officials suspended or arrested

On the local time of July 19th, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior released the preliminary investigation results regarding the recent fire in Kut, the provincial capital of Wasit Province in eastern Iraq. The investigation results showed that officials and personnel from multiple relevant agencies exhibited obvious dereliction of duty, directly leading to the escalation of the disastrous consequences of the fire, resulting in greater casualties and property losses. The statement indicated that a senior investigation committee led by the Ministry of Interior, established on the orders of Iraqi Prime Minister and Chief of the Armed Forces Sadr Al-Sudi, has decided to take temporary suspension or detention measures against multiple individuals involved. Among the 17 individuals suspended, it includes current and former heads of the municipal department in Kut, as well as the former head of the Kut City Water Authority, among several local management personnel. Additionally, the statement also announced the lawful arrest of the head of the tourism security department in Wasit Province, the head of the civil defense department, and the commander of the first district of the civil defense in Kut City, three security officials, to assist in further investigation.