Four young individuals tragically drowned in Duhok province while swimming in the Khazir River. According to local officials, the victims were all youths who had gone to the river to cool off.
Initially, one of the young men struggled in the water, and his friends immediately attempted to rescue him. Unfortunately, the strong currents overwhelmed them, leading to all four drowning one after another. Authorities confirmed the incident and emphasized the dangers of swimming in unfamiliar waters.
Duhok’s rivers and lakes attract many visitors, especially during the hot summer months. However, drownings occur frequently due to strong currents, cold temperatures, and a lack of safety measures. Many swimmers also fail to wear life jackets or use proper flotation devices.
Earlier this year, a similar tragedy occurred when a young woman drowned in the Mergasor River while trying to save her brother. Her brother survived, but she lost her life to the powerful currents.
In the first half of 2025, at least 24 drowning deaths were reported across the Kurdistan Region. Officials urge the public to exercise extreme caution near water bodies and to always use safety gear.