Iraq condemns killing of two nationals in Turkey, urges full investigation

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday condemned the killing of two Iraqi nationals, Youssef and Mohammed al-Rawi, in the Turkish city of Urfa, calling the incident “unfortunate” and pledging to pursue the case through diplomatic channels in coordination with Turkish authorities.

The two brothers were reportedly killed following an altercation with a Turkish citizen on June 26. The ministry said Turkish police arrested a suspect shortly after the incident and opened an investigation into the circumstances.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses its deep regret over the unfortunate incident that occurred in the city of Urfa in the Republic of Turkey on Thursday, June 26, 2025, which resulted in the killing of two members of the honorable Iraqi community,” the ministry said in a statement.

Iraq’s Consulate General in Gaziantep and its Embassy in Ankara are working with Turkish officials to follow the investigation and ensure transparency, the statement said. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of Iraqis abroad and extended condolences to the victims’ families, pledging humanitarian and social support.

“It also renews its commitment to pursuing the case through diplomatic channels and coordination with the relevant authorities in the Republic of Turkey, in a way that preserves the rights and dignity of Iraqi citizens,” the statement added.

The incident follows a similar case in September 2024, when Hakim Goran, a Kurdish man from Duhok, was fatally stabbed in Istanbul. Turkish authorities arrested 12 individuals, including three suspected of direct involvement. Goran’s family claimed the attack was linked to him speaking Kurdish, while Turkish officials said it was the result of a separate altercation. His body was returned to Iraq and buried in Shekhan, as relatives called for justice.

The killings come amid close travel and migration ties between the two countries. In 2024, Iraqis were the largest group of Arab tourists visiting Turkey, with nearly 969,000 arrivals. As of 2025, more than 700,000 Iraqis live in Turkey, including refugees, students, investors, and workers.