Stampede Outside Stadium in Iraq Kills 2, Injures Dozens

This aerial view taken on January 16, 2023 shows Iraq supporters gathering in a designated fan zone in Iraq's southern city on to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final football match between Iraq and Qatar. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)
This aerial view taken on January 16, 2023 shows Iraq supporters gathering in a designated fan zone in Iraq's southern city on to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final football match between Iraq and Qatar. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)
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Stampede Outside Stadium in Iraq Kills 2, Injures Dozens

This aerial view taken on January 16, 2023 shows Iraq supporters gathering in a designated fan zone in Iraq's southern city on to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final football match between Iraq and Qatar. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)
This aerial view taken on January 16, 2023 shows Iraq supporters gathering in a designated fan zone in Iraq's southern city on to watch the Arabian Gulf Cup semi-final football match between Iraq and Qatar. (Photo by Hussein FALEH / AFP)

A stampede outside a stadium in the southern Iraqi city of Basra killed at least two people and injured dozens Thursday.

The Iraqi News Agency said one person was killed and 60 people were injured outside the Basra International Stadium. Some of them are in critical condition.

A doctor at Basra General Hospital told The Associated Press that two people were killed and 38 were injured, some of whom have been discharged from the hospital.

The deadly incident happened as spectators gathered to attend the final match in the first international soccer tournament held in the country in four decades.

The final match in the eight-nation Arabian Gulf Cup is scheduled to be held later Thursday between Iraq and Oman.

But the Arab Gulf Cup Football Federation is considering postponing the final match or moving it to another country if the security situation does not improve, Basra governor Asaad Abdel Amir told Reuters.

The tournament started on Jan. 6, with teams from the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates — as well as Yemen and Iraq. It’s the first time since 1979 that Iraq has hosted the tournament.



Australia Cancels Int’l Ice Hockey Tournament, Media Says over Israel Safety Threat

FILE PHOTO: People walk outside a shopping mall in the Sydney Central Business District, in Sydney, Australia, May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: People walk outside a shopping mall in the Sydney Central Business District, in Sydney, Australia, May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo
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Australia Cancels Int’l Ice Hockey Tournament, Media Says over Israel Safety Threat

FILE PHOTO: People walk outside a shopping mall in the Sydney Central Business District, in Sydney, Australia, May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: People walk outside a shopping mall in the Sydney Central Business District, in Sydney, Australia, May 14, 2024. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy/File Photo

Australia's ice hockey federation said on Tuesday it had cancelled a planned international qualifying tournament due to safety concerns, with local media reporting the decision was linked to the participation of the Israeli national team.
Multiple local media outlets cited an internal email from Ice Hockey Australia (IHA) to the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) saying it could not hold the tournament due to safety and security concerns over Israel's attendance.
IHA said in a statement it had decided to cancel the event, due to take place in Melbourne in April, after consultation with local police and the participating venues, Reuters reported.
The statement did not mention Israel, with the body saying it could not comment on "global issues outside the sport".
"The decision was primarily made to ensure the safety and security of athletes, volunteers, spectators, and other participants," the statement said.
"IHA does not shy away from making this decision with safety at the forefront."
The IIHF did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.
The cancellation follows a spate of antisemitic attacks in recent months, including graffiti daubed on a car in Sydney on Monday.
Last month Australia launched an antisemitism task force following an arson attack at a synagogue in Melbourne which police said was probably terrorism.
Australia has seen an increase in antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents since Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023 and Israel launched its war on Gaza.