In a harrowing turn of events, Fakhri Karim, the prominent head of the Al-Mada Foundation for Media, Culture, and Arts, narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Baghdad. The attack unfolded as Karim was making his way home to the Al-Qadisiyah neighborhood, following his attendance at the Baghdad International Book Fair, an event organized by his foundation.

Gunmen ambushed Karim's vehicle in central Baghdad, unleashing a barrage of gunfire, with 11 bullets piercing his car. Miraculously, Karim emerged from the ordeal unscathed, evading what could have been a fatal assault.

In the aftermath of the terrifying incident, Kurdish leader Masoud Barzani, who presides over the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP), extended his support to Karim. Barzani reached out to Karim via phone, expressing his concerns for Karim's well-being and ensuring his safety. This gesture underscores the solidarity between Kurdish leadership and Karim, highlighting the importance of unity in the face of such heinous acts.

Earlier in the day, before the attempt on his life, Karim had participated in a dialogue seminar at the book fair, alongside former Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. During the seminar, Abadi had voiced apprehensions about the precarious security situation that politicians encounter while navigating the streets of Baghdad. The chilling irony unfolded when just an hour later, Karim himself became the target of an assassination plot.

The swift and targeted attack on Karim serves as a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in public life, particularly in regions plagued by political unrest and violence. As authorities investigate the motive behind the assassination attempt, the resilience displayed by Karim in surviving the ordeal stands as a testament to his courage and determination in the face of adversity.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as investigations unfold and security measures are bolstered in the wake of this brazen attack on a prominent cultural and media figure in Baghdad.