Kurdistan Region puts 97 civil defense teams on highest alert

ERBIL, Iraq — The Kurdistan Region Civil Defense Directorate placed 97 specialized teams on the highest alert across all areas on Monday, saying the measure was part of precautions against fire risk during the spring and summer months. Spokesman Serkut Karş said 23 drowning cases have been recorded since the start of the year. He also said eight Arab tourists were detained during the Eid holiday for lighting a fire on Seyid Sadiq Mountain in Halabja, and that three of them were later released. The directorate said farmers are strictly banned from burning crop residue to clear their fields. It said legal action will be taken against those who do not comply with the rule.