Security briefing: Judge survives attack as Iraq tightens election security

Shafaq News

Below is a summary of key security developments reported across Iraq on Sunday, November 9, 2025.

Assassination Attempt (Baghdad):

Former judge Munir Haddad, who oversaw the execution of former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein, survived an assassination attempt after gunmen in a white Kia opened fire on his vehicle in Baghdad.

Electoral Violations and Clashes (Basra / Al-Anbar / Baghdad):

Security forces arrested multiple suspects for vote-buying and campaigning violations in Baghdad, al-Anbar, and Basra during special voting. In Basra’s al-Seimer area, a gunfight left two men dead and two injured. Separately, a police officer was detained for allegedly purchasing voter cards with 1.2 million dinars and campaign materials. Similar arrests were reported in Baghdad and al-Anbar for distributing promotional materials and buying votes.

Attempted Vote Tampering (Nineveh):

In Rabiaa, relatives of a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) commander allegedly expelled monitors and pressured polling staff to favor specific candidates. Authorities said legal action would be taken against those involved.

Child Rescue (Babil):

Police in Hilla rescued a child from drowning in the Euphrates River after responding to a citizen distress call. The child was taken to hospital for treatment.

Accident Rescue (Kirkuk):

Civil Defense teams in Kirkuk pulled a woman from an open sewage shaft in the al-Quriya area near Mullah Ahmad Mosque.