Iraq Will Give Money to Anyone Who Can Find the Missing Indians Kidnapped by ISIS – Newsweek
Iraq has announced it's offering financial rewards for information regarding the whereabouts of dozens of Indian citizens believed to have been kidnapped by the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) in 2014.
Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafarivisited India Monday to discuss his country's efforts to find the 39 Indian construction workers with Indian Foreign MinisterSushma Swaraj. While Indian officials remained quiet about what exactly was said during the meeting, Jaafari said afterward that Iraq still had "no substantial information" as to the location or fate of the suspected ISIS captives, The Hindustan Times reported. As the final pockets of ISIS members are cleared in Iraq, Baghdad has apparently upped the ante byputting an undisclosed amount of money on the table for anyone who is able to find the missing Indians.
Related: U.S. ally Iraq turns to Russia for military support, oil deals and nation building
Daily Emails and Alerts - Get the best of Newsweek delivered to your inbox
"There are financial incentives from the Iraqi government for people who help us to locate those Indians," Jaafari said after speaking with Swaraj, according to a tweet by New Delhibased Asia News Internationalthat was later shared by Swaraj's official account. "We are trying to follow news gained through intelligence sources, and we consider that all the Indians are alive."
Rakesh holds up a photograph of his father Balwant, an Indian worker who has been kidnapped in Iraq, at a Gurudwara (Sikh temple) before meeting India's Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi, June 19, 2014. Balwant was one of about 39 Indian construction workers kidnapped by the Islamic State militant group (ISIS) when it overran Iraq's second largest city of Mosul in 2014. More than three years later, their fate remains unknown. Adnan Abidi/Reuters
Swaraj last week brought up the possibility that the Indians were at the Badush prison, where ISIS slaughtered hundreds of Shiite Muslims during the group's lightning advance nationwide in 2014. The prison is situated west of Iraq's second city, Mosul, where the Indian laborers were reportedly abducted after ISIS overran the city that year. After Iraqi President Haider al-Abadi declared Iraqi forces and their allies had defeated ISIS in Mosul earlier this month, Swaraj said she sent Indian Minister of State for External AffairsVijay Kumar Singh to the northern Kurdish Iraqi city of Erbil in order to investigate any leads,The Times of India reported.
While residual fighting near Badush reportedly restricted access to the restive region, Swaraj said she learned that the Indians had been transferred to do agricultural work before being sent to the prison, and that the Indians may have remained there. A follow-up report disputed this, citing a commander of Iraq's elite counterterror Golden Division, which played a crucial role in expelling ISIS.
"I have no information about the abducted Indians but there is nothing at the prison anymore," Brigadier General Abdul Amin al-Kazraji told The Hindustan Times.
Less than a month after the 39 Indian workers went missing in 2014, a separate group of Indian nurses wasreturned to India after being held captive by ISIS in the northern Iraqi city of Tikrit, NDTV reported.
View original post here:
Iraq Will Give Money to Anyone Who Can Find the Missing Indians Kidnapped by ISIS - Newsweek
- Youth Participate in Transformative Ziyarah Journey to Iraq in Partnership with the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine - Imam Mahdi Association of Marjaeya - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Europeans among 150 high-ranking IS members transferred to Iraq - Naharnet - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Singapore Airlines, Scoot avoiding airspace over Iraq, Red Sea amid US-Iran tensions - Yahoo News Singapore - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- US threatened to block Iraq from its Federal Reserve deposits over Iran-aligned politicians - middleeasteye.net - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- US begins transfer of up to 7,000 IS group detainees from Syria to Iraq - France 24 - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Seeking to limit Irans influence, US threatens to starve Iraq of its oil dollars - thearabweekly.com - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Iraq expects $25 million annual cost to feed ISIS detainees - Iraqi News - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Will Transfer of ISIS Detainees Open Flood Gates to Terrorism in Iraq? - themedialine.org - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- China-Middle East Connectivity: Iraq, Egypt, and Oman - New Lines Institute - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- The decision to move IS prisoners from Syria to Iraq came at the request of Baghdad, officials say - AP News - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Why the Kurdistan Region of Iraq Is Americas Energy Anchor in Post-War Syria - The National Interest - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- The decision to move ISIS prisoners from Syria to Iraq came at the request of Baghdad, officials say - inquirer.com - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- US warned Iraq of oil sanctions, freezing ties over Iran ties - Reuters - - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- U.S. WARNS IRAQ: DITCH IRAN TIES OR OR ELSE! U.S. officials straight-up told Iraqi bigwigs that if Baghdad keeps cozying up economically with Iran,... - January 24th, 2026 [January 24th, 2026]
- Iraq announces full withdrawal of US forces from its federal territory - CNN - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq takes full control of air base after US withdrawal, defence ministry says - Reuters - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- The Dark History of Frances Embassy in Iraq Goes on Trial in Paris - The New York Times - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- British troops 'knowingly exposed' to toxic chemicals in 2003 Iraq War tell of cancer battles - Sky News - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq reclaims control of Ain Al-Asad base from US - The Jerusalem Post - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- From Iraq veteran to ICE officer: Jonathan Ross background show long history of anti-immigration work - Yahoo - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- US troops pull out of major Iraq airbase amid ongoing regional consolidation effort, progress against ISIS - Fox News - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq announces full withdrawal of US-led coalition from non-Kurdish regions - The Times of Israel - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- The U.S. Engagement in Iraq and Syria and the Rights of Indigenous Peoples - Assyrian International News Agency - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- US troops withdraw Ain al-Asad airbase in Iraq - defense ministry - - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq warns of potential spillover amid swift changes in Syria - The New Arab - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- U.S. Troops Leave al-Asad Air Base in Iraq - The American Conservative - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq announces full withdrawal of U.S. troops from air base - wandtv.com - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq starts final operation of 70,000 BPD Salahuddin-3 refinery - Iraqi News - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq takes control of Ain al-Asad Airbase as coalition forces withdraw - Middle East Monitor - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq News | Iraqi Army Takes Over Ain Al Asad Air Base As US Forces Complete Withdrawal - NDTV - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- U.S. MILITARY COMPLETES WITHDRAWAL FROM IRAQ AFTER 20+ YEARS The U.S. just pulled out of Iraq after more than two decades. Last troops left Al-Asad... - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iran pleased with evacuation of US forces from Ain al-Asad base in Iraq - Middle East Monitor - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq takes full control of Ain al Asad airbase after US withdrawal: defence ministry - TRT World - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq under US financial scrutiny: When corruption meets sovereignty - Shafaq News - - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- U.S. OUT - IRAQ TAKES OVER KEY BASE The U.S. has officially left Al-Asad Airbase in western Iraq. Its now under full control of the Iraqi military, as... - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Iraq takes 'full' control of Ain al-Assad after coalition withdrawal - The New Region - January 20th, 2026 [January 20th, 2026]
- Exclusive: Armed Kurdish groups sought to cross into Iran from Iraq, sources say - Reuters - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Kurdish Iranian opposition in Iraq ready to take on regime, but says not yet, as Trump steps back from threats - CBS News - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- US Special Envoy for Iraq Mark Savaya meets Treasury officials on sanctions, banking reform, and minority rights in Iraq - SyriacPress - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Uzbekistan Showcases Textile Industry to Boost Exports to Iraq - Caspian Post - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- U.S. Envoy to Iraq on Upcoming Visit: 'I Will Engage With the Right Decision-Makers' - kurdistan24.net - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- European airlines continue to avoid Iran and Iraq despite airspace reopening - Yahoo Finance - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- European airlines continue to avoid Iran and Iraq despite airspace reopening - Reuters - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Iraq denies reports of militias crossing border to support Iranian authorities - IntelliNews - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- CONFIRMED: Multiple reports of fighter jets over Eastern Iraq and even Northern Israel and Souther Syria. The strikes may have started, we just won't... - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Iraq rejects Trump 25% tariff threat on countries trading with Iran - IntelliNews - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Interpreters By Day, Targets By Night: The Assyrian Translators in the Iraq Wars - Assyrian International News Agency - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Iraq takes urgent steps in anticipation of the Strait of Hormuz closure - Iraqi News - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Iraq confirms rejection of use of its airspace for military actions - EFE - Agencia de noticias - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Iraq rejects use of its territory or airspace to attack any country amid regional tensions - Middle East Monitor - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Official: Iraq draws red line against foreign military use of its soil - Caliber.Az - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Iraq seeks clarity from US over two barred diplomats - thenationalnews.com - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Who are the candidates competing for Iraq's presidency? - The New Arab - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Christian communities in Iraq face ongoing persecution, displacement, and political marginalization - SyriacPress - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- BREAKING: FOOTAGE EMERGES OF JETS OVER NORTHERN IRAQ Unconfirmed video shows aircraft over Iraq. Iranian airspace empty, Israeli jets active on... - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Everyday People: East Moline food reviewer still deals with Iraq war - The Quad-City Times - January 16th, 2026 [January 16th, 2026]
- Trump is repeating the mistakes of Iraq in Venezuela | Mohamad Bazzi - The Guardian - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Exiled gangland boss Kazem Hamad linked to Victorias tobacco wars arrested in Iraq - The Guardian - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- 'Number one target' tobacco kingpin Kazem Hamad arrested in Iraq - Australian Broadcasting Corporation - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- One of the worlds most dangerous men captured in Iraq - New York Post - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Is Iraq About to Make Its Biggest Geopolitical Pivot in Years - Crude Oil Prices Today | OilPrice.com - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Iran Joins Venezuela, Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Russia, and More as Canada Issues its Harshest Level 4 Travel Warning amid Rapidly Escalating Regional... - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- No resumption of Irans gas supplies to Iraq is expected soon - The Arab Weekly - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Alleged tobacco kingpin Kazem Kaz Hamad has been arrested in Iraq what happens next? - The Conversation - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Iran Cant Dominate the Middle East Without Iraq - The Globe Post - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Iraq denies suspension of flights at Baghdad airport amid fears of US attack on Iran - Anadolu Ajans - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- The return of the plunderer: Why Iraq cannot survive another Maliki - Middle East Monitor - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Michael Goodwin: Using the military for regime change in Iran would be a gamble -- don't turn it into another Iraq - New York Post - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- From Iraq to Venezuela, Americas playbook remains the same - Analyst News - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Canada urged citizens to urgently leave Iran, and Iraq canceled air travel with the country - - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Iraq's Hezbollah: We Will Confront Any Aggression Committed Against Iran - kurdistan24.net - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- 'Violence-as-a-service' suspect arrested in Iraq, extradition underway - theregister.com - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Is Iraq About to Make Its Biggest Geopolitical Pivot in Years? - Yahoo Finance - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Minneapolis shooter revealed as Jonathan Ross, Iraq War veteran with nearly two decades of Border Patrol, Immigration experience - Fortune - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Moderate earthquake strikes northeast of Basra in southern Iraq - Yeni Safak English - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- Legacy of ISIS Explosives Persists in Iraq as Blast Remnants Kill and Injure 11 in One Week - kurdistan24.net - January 14th, 2026 [January 14th, 2026]
- There Are Similarities, but Venezuela Is Not Iraq - U.S. News & World Report - January 9th, 2026 [January 9th, 2026]
- All About Jonathan Ross, Iraq War Veteran Who Shot 37-Year-Old Mother In US - NDTV - January 9th, 2026 [January 9th, 2026]
- Iraq Takes Over Lukoil-Run Oilfield to Avoid Disruption from US Sanctions - UNITED24 Media - January 9th, 2026 [January 9th, 2026]
- Iraq to create a special commission to counter the recruitment of its youth for the war against Ukraine - - January 9th, 2026 [January 9th, 2026]