“Tidbits From TNT” Monday 3-9-2026
TNT:
Tishwash: The Ministry of Interior announces the seizure of 61 unlicensed exchange offices and the arrest of 120 individuals accused of illegally dealing in dollars and money laundering.
The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced the closure of 61 unlicensed currency exchange offices and the arrest of 120 individuals accused of illegal dollar transactions and money laundering.
In a statement, the ministry said that specialized agencies conducted inspections and surveillance operations that resulted in the closure of dozens of unlicensed exchange offices and the arrest of individuals accused of involvement in the illegal buying and selling of foreign currency, as well as suspected money laundering.
The ministry affirmed that these measures are part of the government's efforts to regulate the currency market and prevent illegal dollar speculation, emphasizing that security campaigns will continue to pursue violators and take legal action against them. link
Tishwash: Most of Baghdad's streets are paralyzed
The capital witnessed Baghdad On Sunday afternoon, traffic jams paralyzed traffic in many vital areas, amid widespread discontent among citizens.
Traffic congestion affected almost all of the capital's streets, with thousands of vehicles at a standstill at intersections.
Long queues of cars stretched for considerable distances, with movement proceeding at a snail's pace for unknown reasons.
A number of citizens called for radical solutions to the traffic jams, including adjusting the working hours of government offices and colleges, as well as implementing a vehicle scrapping program where one car is deregistered for another, arguing that this would reduce the number of cars on the roads. link
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Tishwash: Urgent US security alert regarding the situation in Iraq
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent security alert regarding the situation in Iraq.
The embassy affirmed that the safety and security of American citizens is a top priority for President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the U.S. Department of State.
The embassy stated that it will share any new departure options with American citizens wishing to leave Iraq, noting that the Department of State can be contacted at +1-202-501-4444 for information and assistance regarding departures.
The embassy emphasized that Iran and its affiliated groups continue to pose a significant threat to public safety, pointing to calls for attacks targeting American citizens and interests within Iraq. It also noted that hotels frequented by foreigners and other facilities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have been attacked, in addition to attacks on critical civilian infrastructure in various parts of the country.
The embassy stressed that Americans who choose to remain in Iraq should be in safe locations with sufficient supplies of food, water, medicine, and other essential items.
The embassy indicated that commercial flights are currently not operating from Iraq, while land routes for departure are available to Jordan, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey. It noted that most border crossings are open but may close suddenly without prior notice.
The embassy urged American citizens to seriously consider departing by land if possible, given the potential for airspace closures in some neighboring countries or changes in entry and exit requirements.
The embassy also advised Americans to remain indoors as much as possible, avoid windows, and stay away from protests and demonstrations, particularly in Baghdad, including the vicinity of Tahrir Square and areas near the July 14 Bridge, where anti-American protests have taken place.
It added that the threat of missiles and drones remains in Iraqi airspace, noting that Iraqi authorities have closed the International Zone in Baghdad with limited exceptions.
The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and the Consulate General in Erbil have suspended all routine consular services until further notice. link
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Tishwash: Fearing they will be targeted by bombing, Kuwaiti banks are closing their branches in high-rise towers.
Several Kuwaiti banks and companies announced on Sunday the temporary closure of their headquarters located in high-rise towers, following a fire that broke out on the upper floors of the Public Institution for Social Security tower as a result of it being targeted by an Iranian drone, according to what was reported by media outlets and official platforms.
The National Bank of Kuwait said in a statement published on its X platform page that it has decided to close its headquarters starting from Sunday, March 8, until further notice, in light of current developments and in order to ensure the safety of employees and the continuity of business.
For its part, Kuwait Finance House announced the suspension of work on Sunday in the two main buildings (1 and 2) and their affiliated departments in the “KFH” tower, as a precautionary measure related to the current developments.
Boubyan Bank also announced, in a post on the “X” platform, the temporary suspension of work at its headquarters and branches for Sunday, March 8, in light of the security developments.
For its part, the telecommunications company “Ooredoo Kuwait” announced the closure of its main building branch starting today until further notice, as a precautionary measure.
These measures come at a time of escalating tension in the region, amid fears of attacks targeting high-rise or vital facilities in several Gulf states. link
Mot: Picard and Riker
