Peregraf - Ako Sabir, an officer of the Kurdistan Region’s Asayish forces who was shot while distributing aid to flood victims in Chamchamal, died on Saturday from his injuries.
Sabir was wounded during heightened tensions in the district on Friday when several gunmen opened fire on Asayish personnel carrying out relief duties. He was transferred to Shari Hospital in Sulaymaniyah, where he later succumbed to his wounds. Two other Asayish officers were also injured in the incident.
KRG Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani expressed condolences over Sabir’s death, describing him as a dedicated officer who was serving the public at the time of the attack. In a statement, Talabani said the killing would not go unpunished and confirmed that suspects have been arrested and will face legal proceedings.
Aid collection and distribution for Chamchamal flood victims continue across the Kurdistan Region, with government teams and humanitarian organizations delivering assistance to hundreds of affected families.
Separately, Ata Mohammed, head of the office of the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Deputy Prime Minister, said Talabani held a phone call with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani to discuss the severe flooding that struck Chamchamal on December 9. According to Mohammed, Al-Sudani instructed the federal minister of finance to allocate an emergency budget to support victims and address the widespread damage.
Chamchamal was the area hardest hit by the latest wave of torrential rains. At least two people were killed and 12 others injured as flash floods swept through several neighborhoods. Dozens of homes and shops were inundated, while vehicles and government offices sustained significant damage.
Local authorities say damage assessments are ongoing, as relief efforts expand through coordination between the Iraqi federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.