NRT Reporter Warya Hama Karim Killed in Traffic Accident Involving Smuggling Truck

NRT reporter Warya Hama Karim tragically lost his life this morning in a traffic accident in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG).

Warya, known for his bravery and dedication to journalism, came from a family that endured immense suffering. His father was buried alive by Saddam Hussein’s regime, and he and his mother survived the 1988 chemical attack on Halabja. During the attack, he was separated from his mother for eight months before they were reunited.

This morning, Warya was struck and killed by a truck loaded with smuggled tomatoes from Iran to Sulaimani. The incident highlights the ongoing issue of large-scale smuggling in the region, which has long been tied to the economic networks of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) and its officials.

His sudden death brings attention not only to the dangers of road safety but also to the unchecked smuggling activities that continue to flourish under political influence. While this may have been a tragic accident, it also serves as undeniable proof of how deeply embedded smuggling operations are within the region’s economy.

Warya’s passing is a profound loss for Kurdish journalism, and his work will be remembered by those who continue to seek the truth.