On Monday, Halkawt Aziz Head of Rudaw’s Baghdad Bureau, passed away after a car accident on the Baghdad-Basra highway.

“We are deeply saddened to announce that our Head of Baghdad Bureau, Halkawt Aziz, has passed away in a tragic car accident,” Rudaw said on Monday. 

“This is a devastating loss for Rudaw Media Network and for journalism in the country. We are grieving with his family and loved ones in this painful time.”

After his death, many Kurdish leaders extended their condolences, including Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani.

“I share in their grief. May Almighty God bless his soul with paradise and grant patience and comfort to everyone," KRG Prime Minister Barzani said in a statement.

On Monday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani underlined that the “late Halkawt Aziz was a capable, dedicated, and active journalist who rendered great service to the field of media. 

“I pray to Almighty God to bless his soul with His mercy and compassion and to grant patience, comfort, and peace to all who mourn his loss.”

Safeen Dizayee, head of the KRG Department of Foreign Relations, said in a post on X that Aziz was an “active, professional, and truly loyal voice for his work and the people of Kurdistan. 

“My heartfelt condolences to his family and the Rudaw Media Network team. May his soul rest in peace.”

The Barzani Charity Foundation also extended its deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the management and staff of Rudaw Media Channel, as well as to the family, relatives, friends, and colleagues of the late Aziz.