A US-led coalition was formed in 2014 to combat ISIS and launched a sustained military campaign across Iraq and Syria. The group’s territorial rule officially ended in March 2019, when US-backed Kurdish forces captured Baghouz, the last ISIS-held town in eastern Syria, though raids on remaining hideouts continue.

Oil prices were little changed on Friday after rising in the previous session as concerns drone attacks on northern Iraqi oil fields will cut supply vied with worries of potential demand declines amid uncertainty in U.

Iraq approved a plan for its semi-autonomous Kurdish region to transfer oil to Baghdad, a step toward resuming exports that have been halted for more than two years.

Mourners in Iraq grieved their loved ones, weeping on their coffins after a shopping mall fire killed more than 60, including children. (AP video shot by: Ali Sadiq)

Iraq coach Graham Arnold is confident he can lead the country to a first World Cup in 40 years after his team were drawn to face Saudi Arabia and Indonesia in the next phase of Asian qualifying for the 2026 tournament in North America.