Tuesday, January 16, 2024
Missile Strike in Erbil, Iraq: A City Mourns Amid Rising Security Concerns, 16 JAN
A deadly missile strike in Erbil, Iraq, resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left five others injured. The attack, which has been reported by Al Arabiya and Kurdistan 24, remains shrouded in uncertainty regarding the perpetrators or the motive. This incident, occurring in a city that has otherwise maintained relative stability compared to other regions of Iraq, highlights ongoing challenges faced by the country in ensuring citizen safety and maintaining peace.
An Unexpected Strike in Erbil
On an ordinary day in Erbil, a missile struck, causing an explosion near the U.S. consulate and a U.S. military facility. This attack struck fear into the hearts of the Iraqi people, reminding them of the volatile security situation in their country. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed the ballistic missiles were launched in response to terrorist crimes. However, their statement did little to quell the panic and uncertainty that ensued.
Among the casualties was Peshraw Dizayee, a multimillionaire businessman and his family. The strike resulted in four deaths and six injuries, triggering an outpour of grief and anger from the citizens of Erbil. The Iraqi government condemned Iran’s ‘aggression’, stating it would consider filing a complaint at the United Nations Security Council.
U.S. Response and Condemnation
The U.S. State Department denounced the attacks and expressed support for Iraq’s stability. The U.S. officials clarified that the attacks did not affect any of their facilities, and there were no U.S. casualties. However, they conveyed their strong support for the Government of Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government’s efforts to meet the aspirations of the Iraqi people.
The U.S. State Department condemned the attacks near Erbil, calling them reckless. The attacks raised concerns about a wider regional escalation due to Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
Iran’s Claim and the Aftermath
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the missile attack on Erbil, targeting ‘spy headquarters’ of anti-Iran groups. This attack resulted in the death of at least four civilians and left 17 injured, causing substantial material damage to residences near Pirmam road.
The IRGC maintained that they had targeted ‘three Mossad bases’ in Erbil, despite the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) denying the presence of Israeli intelligence in the region. Following the attack, Erbil International Airport suspended all inbound and outbound flights, adding to the growing tension and fear in the region.
In the aftermath of the missile attack, the city of Erbil is left to mourn its losses, heal its wounds, and piece together the fragments of a shattered sense of security.
"RV UPDATE" BY WALKINGSTICK, 16 JAN
Walkingstick
Movements before they release the lower denoms and new exchange rate we expected to see this... December was to have everything ready in place to go. January all these systems are being implemented through the monetary reform education. From private banks like the one Aki [Iraqi bank friend] represents to international markets as of today January 15, 2024 they're all international now. It's what we expected...there's not more to say...because everything now is in print...
The rate doesn't matter. You're going to trip over you own feet when it finally does float because you're going to be looking for a rate. Watch the growth of the dinar's value.
The only thing missing is the lower denoms and the new exchange rate. Everything else is in position.
[Aki - Iraq Bank In US update]
AKI: There are many Iraqi citizens in the United States of American holding 3-zero notes. It is my job to collect them for the CBI, where they will destroy them. Our [job] is to turn in the 3-zero notes.
WALKINGSTICK: This is huge!
AKI: Agree. Direct deposit from now on. No limitations. Article VIII not only for the citizens but for investors.
[Aki - Iraq Bank owner in US update]
Question: " The new orders you got on January 1st, are they for you to dispense the lower denoms and collect 3 zero notes?"
Here in the Untied States we are preparing to do everything with electronic platforms...We are prepared to collect the 3 zero notes from those that wish to exchange them for American dollars...We follow International banking laws, the same laws American banks follow. Here in the United States the bank that I am in charge of will be all electronic.
When you ask about the LDs they are only found in Iraq. We do not possess them. Iraq will give to the Iraqi citizens, when the time comes, physical lower notes and coins and collect three zero notes...The difference is that here in the US I have to do everything electronic where my friends in Iraq, their banks can do it electronic or physically if they want the lower denoms and coins in their hands .
https://dinarevaluation.blogspot.com/2024/01/rv-update-by-walkingstick-13-jan.html
[Aki - Iraq Bank In US update]
There are many Iraqi citizens in the United States of American holding 3-zero notes. It is my job to collect them for the CBI, where they will destroy them. Our [job] is to turn in the 3-zero notes. WALKINGSTICK: This is huge! AKI: Agree. Direct deposit from now on. No limitations. Article VIII not only for the citizens but for investors
[Aki - Iraq Bank owner in US update]
Question: "The new orders you got on January 1st, are they for you to dispense the lower denoms and collect 3 zero notes?" Here in the Untied States we are preparing to do everything with electronic platforms...We are prepared to collect the 3 zero notes from those that wish to exchange them for American dollars...We follow International banking laws, the same laws American banks follow. Here in the United States the bank that I am in charge of will be all electronic.
When you ask about the LDs they are only found in Iraq. We do not possess them. Iraq will give to the Iraqi citizens, when the time comes, physical lower notes and coins and collect three zero notes...The difference is that here in the US I have to do everything electronic where my friends in Iraq, their banks can do it electronic or physically if they want the lower denoms and coins in their hands.
https://dinarevaluation.blogspot.com/2024/01/rv-update-by-walkingstick-11-jan.html
"RV UPDATE" BY MARKZ, 16 JAN
MarkZ
[via PDK] Iraq needs the official rate to be close to the trading rate. They can fix this. Saleh and others are suggesting they let the economy figure the rate out and no longer have an official fixed rate.
If the market decides that would remove the black market completely...This is similar to conversations Kuwait was having just before they RV’d and had a release in value. These are steps we have seen before in past currency revaluations. They have been doing this for quite some time…they are just now starting to tell us about it.
Comment: Another intel provider said the redemption center staff are on 45 min. notice to show up for work. MarkZ: I am definitely hearing they are on call for an hour or less to get to work according to 3 different contacts I have.UK Export Finance Backs Major Sanitation Project in Iraq, 16 JAN
UK Export Finance Backs Major Sanitation Project in Iraq
UK Export Finance (UKEF) has secured £226 million to aid the Iraqi government in a significant infrastructure project. This venture will construct an extensive drainage system in Hilla, a city situated 100 kilometers south of Baghdad. The initiative is set to enhance sanitation facilities and provide clean water to approximately 25,000 households in the region.
Revolutionising the Region’s Sanitation
The project involves the construction of over 350 kilometers of drainage networks and 15 kilometers of stormwater and wastewater lifting terminals. The robust system, upon completion, will have the capacity to treat up to 20 million cubic meters of water each year. This substantial improvement in sanitation will have a transformational effect on the lives of the local population.
Financial Arrangements and Collaborations
The financial framework for this project includes a direct loan of £113 million from His Majesty’s Treasury and an equivalent guarantee for financing from Standard Chartered Bank. The bank has been chosen as the exclusive Structuring Bank, Mandated Lead Arranger, and Agent for the project. This collaboration aims to ensure the seamless execution and financial stability of the project.
Consortium of Companies Joining Hands
A consortium of companies is participating in this initiative. It includes Al-Tafweed Company For General Trading and Al-Ehtifad General Contracting from Baghdad, GAMA Industry from Turkey, James Cubitt & Partners (JC&P) from the UK, and Jazirah Al-Mansour Trading & Investment from Jordan. These companies bring with them a wealth of experience and expertise, ensuring the project’s success and long-lasting impact on the region.
https://bnnbreaking.com/world/iraq/uk-export-finance-backs-major-sanitation-project-in-iraq/
-
Frank26 [Bank story] This time we didn't go down, we just called [the bank]... We said we want to see if we can exchange some cu...
-
Bank appointment for Currency EXCHANGE Instructions/Checklist Bank Name_________________________________________ Bank 800#____________...
-
Walkingstick All these meetings that the CBI had with all these agencies that were helping them with their monetary reform are done. Al...