Eighteen-year-old dies by suicide in bird cage in Babil province

BABIL, Iraq — An 18-year-old died by suicide inside a bird cage in the al-Musayyib district of Babil province, according to local police sources. The incident occurred on Monday, the sources said, confirming the victim's age and place of residence. Security forces have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the death, the sources added. No further details were immediately available about the method used or possible motives. The case comes amid a series of suicides reported in Babil, which has put local authorities on alert. Officials have called for expanded public awareness campaigns on suicide prevention and urged families to be more attentive to behavioral changes among young people. Concerns have also grown over what local officials describe as insufficient psychological support hotlines in the area, prompting renewed debate over available mental health services.