Kurdistan Region Prime Minister Masrour Barzani expressed deep sorrow and solidarity on Thursday following a devastating fire at a shopping mall in the southern Iraqi city of Kut, which killed at least 61 people and injured dozens more.

In an official statement, Barzani extended his condolences to the victims' families and affirmed the Kurdistan Region’s readiness to assist those affected. “With great sadness and sorrow, we received the news of the tragic fire in the city of Kut,” he said. “We extend our deepest condolences to the families of the victims and pray to God for a speedy recovery for the injured.”

The Kurdish leader announced that all relevant institutions in the Kurdistan Region had been placed on alert to provide medical and humanitarian aid. “The doors of the Kurdistan Region are open to those affected,” he said. “The Ministry of Health and other concerned institutions have been put on standby to deliver necessary treatment and support.”

The fire broke out in the early hours of Thursday at the Hyper Mall, a newly opened five-story shopping center in Wasit province. Civil Defense officials reported that most victims died from smoke inhalation after being trapped on the upper floors. Fourteen of the deceased remain unidentified due to severe burns. Emergency teams rescued more than 45 people from the inferno.

The tragedy has sparked national mourning and renewed demands for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations in commercial buildings. Authorities have launched an investigation, with preliminary reports suggesting the blaze may have been triggered by an explosion in an air conditioning unit.