Cave with underground river and rare fish species discovered in Anbar

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry announced on Tuesday the discovery of a cave containing an underground river populated by rare fish species in Anbar province. In a statement, the ministry said the cave was identified in Anbar and that the river flowing through it holds rare fish species, without providing further technical details. The ministry said relevant departments have been tasked with documenting the discovery and protecting the cave's ecosystem. It added that the rare fish species have been sustaining their natural habitat within the underground river. According to the statement, the cave is significant for the region's geological and biological diversity. No further details on the cave's exact location, size or the species identified were immediately available.