Iraq has promised to guarantee the safety of US interests from Iran, US-Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said as he paid surprise trip to Baghdad where he accused Tehran of planning "imminent" attacks. The top US diplomat's unannounced visit marked an effort to stand-up Washington's ties with Baghdad as it pushes ahead with its "maximum-pressure" against Tehran US arch-rival, but an ally of Iraq.

A ferry packed with families celebrating Kurdish New Year sank in a swollen river in the former jihadist stronghold of Mosul Thursday, leaving more than 70 people dead in Iraq's worst accident in years. The accident sparked an outpouring of grief among residents who only recently resumed festivities on the banks of the Tigris after the northern city's recapture from the Islamic State group.

Roaring along Baghdad's highways, "Iraq Bikers" are doing more than showing-off their love of outsized motorcycles and black leather: they want their shared enthusiasm to help heal Iraq's deep sectarian rifts. Weaving in and out-of-traffic, only the lucky few ride Harley Davidsons a rare and expensive brand in Iraq while others make do with bikes pimped-up to look something like "Easy Rider" dream machines.