Who was Safaa al-Mashhadani? Iraqi candidate killed in Baghdad Suburb ahead of November elections

Iraqi Candidate Safaa al-Mashhadani Assassinated

Safaa al-Mashhadani, a member of the Baghdad Provincial Council and a candidate for the upcoming parliamentary elections, was assassinated in Tarmiyah, about 40 km north of Baghdad. A magnetic “sticky bomb” planted under his vehicle exploded during a field tour, killing him instantly and injuring several of his bodyguards.

An investigation was launched into the incident, though no group has claimed responsibility. The assassination underscores the ongoing risks faced by political figures in Iraq, particularly ahead of elections.

Parliament Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani condemned the killing as a “cowardly terrorist act,” while Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani ordered a high-level investigative committee and a joint forensic team to probe the attack.Who was Safaa al-Mashhadani?

Safaa al-Mashhadani was a prominent Sunni politician and reformist, serving on the Baghdad Provincial Council. He was contesting the November 11 parliamentary elections as part of the Siyada (Sovereignty) Alliance, a major Sunni political bloc led by businessman Khamis al-Khanjar and Parliamentary Speaker Mahmoud al-Mashhadani.

Known for his outspoken criticism of militia influence and advocacy for political reform, al-Mashhadani had built a reputation as a rising voice in Sunni politics. His assassination has raised serious concerns about election security and the influence of armed groups on Iraq’s political process.

Fallout and reactions

The assassination marks the first political killing ahead of Iraq’s 2025 elections and has sent shockwaves through Baghdad’s political landscape. It highlights the dangers facing candidates willing to challenge entrenched armed groups and the fragile nature of Iraq’s democratic system.

The international community has condemned the attack, warning that political violence threatens Iraq’s democratic transition and stressing the need for accountability for those responsible.