Fire at Iraq Mall Kills at Least 69, Sparks National Mourning

A massive fire at the Corniche Hypermarket in Kut has killed at least 69 people and left 11 others missing, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The blaze broke out overnight, reportedly in the perfume section, and quickly spread through the multi-storey building. Rescue teams pulled dozens from the upper floors. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has ordered an investigation, while the Wasit governor declared three days of mourning and initiated legal action against the mall’s owners.