Residents and security personnel gather along the banks of the Diyala River near Khanaqin after the body of a 21-year-old man was recovered hours after his disappearance.
Body of young man recovered from Diyala River hours after disappearance
DIYALA — The body of a 21-year-old man was recovered from the Diyala River on Wednesday, nearly 10 hours after he was reported missing in Jalawla, a town in Khanaqin district, according to a local security source.
The victim, identified as Salah Mahdi Karawi, reportedly had limited hearing and used a hearing aid. He left his home around 6 a.m., and his family lost contact with him shortly afterward. Security forces launched a search operation later that morning.
By midday, search teams found a bag near the riverbank containing his phone, hearing aid, and bank card. His body was recovered from the water around 5 p.m.
Authorities said an investigation is underway to determine whether the death was the result of suicide, accidental drowning, or another cause. The body was transferred to the forensic medical office for examination.