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ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) For the first time in either Iraq or the Kurdistan Region, a rehabilitation center dedicated solely to the treatment of drug addiction will be built in a joint public-private sector project in Erbil.

The soon-to-be-built facility will provide comprehensive treatment options for those struggling with substance abuse, according to Kurdish investor Ibrahim Idriss Bapir, who spoke to the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)s Media and Information Department.

Although the center will be privately-owned, it will be under the supervision of government entities such as the KRG's Ministries of Labour and Social Affairs, Interior, and Education, he added.

According to a government statement, some 20,000 squares meters of land have been allocated to the project by municipality authorities.

Since Iraq and the Kurdistan Region have never had such a facility, dedicated exclusively to combating addiction, those needing rehabilitation or intensive addiction treatment regimens have to travel abroad to seek treatment.

Unlike wings of existing hospitals or clinics within Iraq's borders that attempt to face multiple mental health conditions, patients will enroll in classes and have access to swimming pools, libraries, and many other addiction-based resources that can be crucial for a successful recovery, said Bapir.

The sale or consumption of illicit drugs is strictly prohibited in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, where authorities often intercept shipments of drugs passing mainly through the provinces of Basra, Diyala, Erbil, and Sulaimani, specifically in the towns and villages connecting the autonomous federal region of Iraq with neighboring nations Iran and Turkey.

Security forces in the Kurdistan Region regularly announce the arrest of drug traffickers, made as part of its bid to disrupt gangs and other criminal networks dealing drugs, but sometimes with a conspicuous absence of apparent programs to treat those who find themselves addicted to some controlled substance or another.

Since the beginning of 2021, security forces attached to the Directorate "have impounded 214 kilograms of various banned substances, 556 kilograms of drug-laced tobacco, thousands of hallucinogenic pills, and 3,100 US dollars in counterfeit bills."

Read More:KRG destroys batch of illicit drugs on International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

On Tuesday, the Kurdistan Regions Anti-Narcotics Directorate in Erbil announced the arrest of 10 individuals who now face drug charges.

Read More: Erbil security forces arrest a group accused of drug trafficking, possession

"Erbils security apparatus managed to arrest ten suspects today, Tuesday, with the confiscation of many types of narcotic substances in their possession," read a government statement.

Originally posted here:
Kurdistan Region to open Iraq's first rehab center dedicated to treating drug addiction - Kurdistan24

An Iraq War hero is selling his bravery medals for 40,000 so he can buy a house after leaving the army.

Colour Sergeant Martin Caines served three tours in Iraq and two in Afghanistan during 24 years in the military.

The Feltham dad is now on civvy street and needs to raise a deposit in order to buy a family home.

Read more: Man overjoyed after receiving 'more realistic' worlds first 3D printed prosthetic eye

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The forthcoming sale of the father of two's George Medal once again calls into question the issue of war veterans having to sell their decorations so they can get on the property ladder.

Last month Afghan War hero Steven Gadsby sold his Conspicuous Gallantry Cross for over 100,000 so he could buy a house.

Sgt Caines received the prestigious award for calmly facing-down an angry mob of Iraqi army soldiers who turned on their British colleagues during a search patrol in 2006.

The native troops were angry and frustrated at a lack of supply of food and water for them as opposed to the well-resourced British.

The resentment culminated in a group of 15 soldiers opening fire on Sgt Caines' platoon, firing shots into the ground and above their heads.

The Iraqi ringleader then produced a sniper rifle and started shooting directly at the front of the British position.

Realising that if the men shot back it would lead to a bloody firefight, Sgt Caines got to his feet and stood within 50m of the gunmen with his own weapon lowered.

He stared down the barrel of the gun and a standoff ensued before the ringleader threw down his weapon and withdrew, resulting in an immediate change of atmosphere.

For his 'outstanding act of bravery' Sgt Caines was awarded the George Medal.

He has now put his medal group up for sale with London auctioneers Dix Noonan Webb.

Christopher Mellor-Hill, head of client liaison at Dix Noonan Webb, said: "Colour Sergeant Caines, as platoon leader, employed both clear-headed discernment and cold courage in resolving a dangerous and escalating incident involving his men and Iraqi soldiers at Maysaan, Iraq, on July 7, 2006, and in so doing prevented a fire-fight, the implications of which would have been disastrous, both militarily and politically.

"It is an honour to be able to oversee the sale of his George Medal."

Sgt Caines joined the Army's Princess of Wales' Royal Regiment in 1997.

Having completed two tours in Kosovo he went to Iraq for his first tour in July 2004.

While on one operation Sgt Caines' armoured vehicle was struck by a rocket-propelled grenade and knocked out.

The vehicle was repeatedly hit by blast bombs, RPGs and small arms fire until help came seven hours later.

Sgt Caines returned for two more tours of Iraq in 2006 and 2008 when he helped oversee the withdrawal of British soldiers.

He went on to serve on two Afghanistan tours.

The 42-year-old retired from the army earlier this year. His medals will be sold on December 8.

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Feltham Iraq War hero forced to sell bravery medals to get on the housing ladder - MyLondon

Nearly seven million Iraqis have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine. (File)

Iraq said Saturday it has received 1.2 million doses of Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine through the Covax sharing scheme, amid fears of a fourth wave in the country.

Nearly seven million Iraqis have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine, amounting to 17.5 per cent of the country's 40 million population, based on government figures.

Plagued by years of conflict, corruption and neglect, Iraq's health system has struggled to cope with the pandemic.

The health ministry announced on Saturday the arrival of a shipment of more than 1.2 million doses of "Pfizer's anti-Covid vaccine through the Covax programme and UNICEF", the UN Children's Fund.

"Iraq is still facing danger from the coronavirus pandemic," ministry spokesman Saif al-Badr said on Thursday.

"We expect to enter a fourth wave, (and) it could be a new variant," he told state television.

More than two million Iraqis have been infected with Covid and 23,628 have died in Iraq since the outbreak of the pandemic, according to official figures.

Despite an increase in the number of people getting jabbed, Iraq's government has been unable to overcome general scepticism about vaccines and measures aimed at preventing the spread of the virus.

There is a high level of public mistrust of institutions in Iraq amid the circulation of misleading information about the pandemic.

Covax was set up to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines, particularly to low-income countries, and has already delivered more than 80 million doses to 129 territories.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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Iraq Gets 1.2 Million Pfizer Covid Vaccine Doses Amid Fears Of 4th Wave - NDTV

One minute Stephen Vause was a schoolboy at Raynes Park High School in South London, the next he was out in the dusty deserts of Iraq.

He signed up to join the British Army when he was just when I was 18.

"I had a friend who had joined the Army and I wanted to push myself", he says.

"I loved training. I got to see the world. I went to South Africa on a safari on horseback. I also went to Canada.

READ MORE: 'I found my long-lost relatives in Australia and discovered my great uncle was a brave war hero who died in World War 1'

"I hadnt travelled much, and now I was seeing the world. It broadened my horizons. And I passed my driving test! It was the best time of my life."

Stephen was excited when he was posted to the warzone of Iraq aged 18 in 2005.

He remembers going out on dangerous patrols near Basra, taking cover when sirens went off indicating that danger was near.

At this point, US and British forces were embroiled in a deadly war of attrition as insurgent forces continually harried them with mortar fire and bomb attacks as they sought to secure the province after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003.

One particular day, Stephen was told to go on guard at the sanger (fortification) and watch out for insurgents.

Suddenly he saw two men coming towards him.

He radioed back to camp and said indirect fire was coming.

He doesn't remember what happened next. He only know he was caught up in a horrific bomb attack.

His life was saved by an RAF helicopter pilot, Michelle Goodman, and her crew, which included medic Michael Day.

They risked their lives and rescued him despite coming under heavy enemy fire.

By the time he was rescued, Stephen was in a coma.

When he woke up he discovered he had suffered horrific injuries.

"The extent of my injuries became clear when I saw a photograph of the head injuries I had suffered. I cant remember how I reacted," he recalls.

"But my injuries from the attack were so severe that my life was in imminent danger. I went to Putney first, then to Headley Court, and a few other places before coming to Royal Star & Garter in Surbiton."

Now 15 years later, he receives 24-hour specialist care at the home in Surbiton.

He is wheelchair bound and uses a tablet to aid his communication.

Aged 34, his recovery still continues.

"Ive had to relearn the basic things that I used to take for granted, like eating and talking," Stephen says.

"I wasnt able to eat for years, but Im making progress. Ive started shaving myself again. Now I can use a tablet.

"Its given me my voice back. I work hard every single day.

"I have had setbacks. But everyone gets setbacks in life, and its how you bounce back and overcome them."

It's clear his sheer determination has kept him going through the dark times.

"Never Give Up. I have that tattooed on my arm," says Stephen.

"Even when youre at your lowest point, keep going. Keep fighting and things will get better. Im living proof of that. I have no regrets joining the Army. It was the best thing I ever did.

"Everyday Im making improvements. Im recovering. My speech is getting better, I can now shave myself. All these improvements Im making are positives for me. I also appreciate life more."

Stephen's family and friends have also kept him going through the trauma and his still in touch with members of his regiment too.

"Family and friends are very important to me. I talk to them a lot, and when its possible, we see each other," he says.

"I served in the 4th Battalion The Rifles, and recently attended the Just Rifles 10th annual charity dinner and dance."

Stephen is so inspirational he recently won the won the Inspiration category at the 2021 Soldiering On Awards.

He won the accolade following a public vote, on October 28 after taking part in a 60-mile virtual cycling challenge from his room.

He virtually cycled from London to Brighton and raised more than 5,000 for charity, supported by Royal Star & Garter staff.

The Soldiering On Awards recognise the outstanding achievements of those who have served their country.

Stephens Help for Heroes fundraising efforts began on Christmas Eve 2020, and were backed by celebrities including Lord Sugar and Jeremy Vine.

The final moments of his exploits on February 1, were captured on film by Royal Star and Garter staff and shared by Lorraine Kelly on her ITV breakfast show.

His Help for Heroes fundraising is not the first time Stephen has demonstrated kindness and generosity.

In 2018, when his sister raised money for Royal Star & Garter by participating in the Tough Mudder challenge, he supported her by undertaking his own challenges, including lifting weights, sit-ups and hand-eye coordination tasks.

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And he introduced the sport of Boccia to the Surbiton home, which he often plays with other residents.

Other finalists in the Inspiration category were Margo Hetherington MBE, Mark Ormrod MBE and Martin Hewitt.

Speaking about his award, Stephen said: Im stunned. I want to thank everyone who voted for me, but I also want to share this award with the other finalists. They all deserved to win.

Royal Star & Garter works closely with Help for Heroes, who have funded a bespoke wheelchair and specialist gym equipment to support Stephens care.

Carol Betteridge OBE, Head of Clinical & Medical Services at Help for Heroes, said: Huge congratulations to Steve for winning such a highly fought category where all the finalists are absolute inspirations.

"Steve fights every day to manage his physical injuries so his fundraising challenge for us was a major undertaking, and he did it with such determination and humour.

"He shows us all the great things you can achieve when you put your mind to it. He is an absolute hero.

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London Iraq war veteran's heroic 15-year battle to overcome bomb blast injuries - My London

A group of Iraqi militias has issued a warning that they were prepared to take up arms against the U.S. military presence in Iraq if U.S. troops stayed in the country past the upcoming year's end deadline for combat operations revealed over the summer by President Joe Biden.

In a statement issued Friday and shared with Newsweek, the Iraqi Resistance Coordination Commission, an umbrella of paramilitary groups aligned with the pro-Iran Axis of Resistance opposed to the U.S. footprint in the region, said its members were "closely monitoring the extent of commitment to the outcomes of the so-called strategic dialogue round" that took place between Washington and Baghdad in July.

The message went on to say that the council "did not believe in the seriousness of the occupation and its commitment" to withdrawing combat troops from Iraq according to the established timeline, but was itself "committed to giving the Iraqi negotiator an opportunity to expel the American occupation from our pure land through diplomatic means."

But since then, the commission said it had "not yet seen any manifestations of withdrawal despite that only 42 days separate us from 12/31/2021."

"On the contrary, we have observed that the brazen American occupation increased its numbers and equipment in its bases in Iraq," the commission said, "and we even heard official and semi-official statements from officials of the American states of evil about their intention not to withdraw from the country under the pretext that there was a request from Baghdad [not] to do so, at a time when we did not see any response or denial from the Iraqi government about these clumsy statements!"

The militia said its forces were prepared to meet such an outcome with action.

"We affirm that the weapons of the honorable resistance, which have been talked about a lot in the past days, and some insisted on embroiling them in recent political rivalries, will be ready to dismember the occupation as soon as the moment comes and the deadline ends after twelve o'clock in the evening of 12/31/2021," the statement said.

The ongoing presence of U.S. troops going on four years after Iraq declared victory over the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) has remained a dividing factor in the country, especially as clashes between U.S. troops and Iraqi militias have escalated in recent years. Frictions peaked at the turn of 2019 to 2020 as deadly exchanges culminated in the U.S. slaying of Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces deputy chief Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis and Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force commander Major General Qassem Soleimani at Baghdad International Airport.

Shortly after this event, Iraqi lawmakers voted for the expulsion of foreign forces from the country, and Soleimani's successor, Esmail Qaani, has further vowed to push U.S. forces from the region.

Rocket strikes have continued to target U.S. positions and President Joe Biden has twice retaliated, striking sites in both Iraq and neighboring Syria, where Iran-backed groups deployed against ISIS and other jihadis have also targeted U.S. troops tasked with a similar mission.

Domestic politics have also proven an incendiary factor as of late. Last month, the country held its sixth election since the 2003 U.S. invasion that toppled longtime leader Saddam Hussein.

The results saw strong gains for influential cleric Muqtada al-Sadr and a disappointing turnout for paramilitary blocs whose supporters took to the streets to challenge the vote, leading to clashes with security forces in which at least two demonstrators were killed.

Upon the backdrop of these events, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi's residence was targeted by small, explosives-rigged drones earlier this month in an apparent assassination attempt that prompted near-universal condemnation, including from the U.S., Iran and the Iraqi Resistance Coordination Commission. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Those seeking a timely withdrawal of U.S. forces have accused Kadhimi of being soft on Washington, while those critical of Tehran have accused Iran of exerting pressure on the Iraqi leader through the use of its local partners.

The U.S., for its part, has offered no sign it planned to pull out of Iraq completely as it did in Afghanistan in August, and the definition of "combat" forces has remained somewhat unclear as the Pentagon has maintained for years that its presence in the country was solely for training and advising Iraq personnel to fight ISIS.

U.S. Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary for the Middle East Dana Stroud reaffirmed the Biden administration's commitment to the December 31 deadline during an interview aired Tuesday by Al Jazeera, but she also said that U.S. troops would continue to support Iraqi forces as long as Baghdad welcomed them in the country.

"We are still committed to advising and assisting the Iraqi forces in their fight, and we'll be there so long as they would like our help," she said.

She also said that "the United States remains absolutely committed to Iraq, the security of Iraq, the sovereignty of Iraq and the ability of Iraqi citizens to live in peace and safety."

On Sunday however, Iraqi member of parliament and the Al-Sadiqoon bloc that represents the powerful, influential Asaib Ahl al-Haq militia Hassan Salem referred to Iraq's resistance elements as the true defender of the nation, even if this bothered rivals such as the U.S., the United Kingdom, Israel and the monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula.

"The Islamic resistance factions are the only guarantee of Iraq's sovereignty," Salem tweeted Sunday, "and they are a thorn in the path of the U.S.-British-Zionist Gulf project that targets the country."

And the following day, as the Iraqi Resistance Coordination Commission published its position, the head of an Iraqi militia targeted twice this year in strikes order by Biden in response to attacks on U.S. military positions doubled down on the warning.

Kataib Sayyid al-Shuhada Secretary-General Abu Alaa al-Walai tweeted Friday: "With the approaching hour of decisiveness and a major confrontation, the Islamic Resistance, the Sayyid al-Shuhada Brigades, announces the opening of the door to belonging and volunteering to its ranks and calls on our resistant Iraqi people and the resistance factions to raise the level of readiness in preparation for the decisive and historic confrontation with the American occupation on 12/31/2021 after 12:00 a.m."

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Iraq Resistance Warns It's Ready to Expel U.S. by Force at End of Year - Newsweek