Five Missing Mountaineers Rescued on Mount Halgurd Following Snowstorm

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) - All five mountaineers who went missing on Mount Halgurd amid heavy snowfall and dense fog have been successfully rescued, Soran Civil Defense confirmed to Kurdistan24 on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, following a search operation in the mountainous Choman district.

The five were part of a seven-member group from Duhok province that had traveled to Mount Halgurd for a recreational mountaineering expedition before worsening weather conditions caused them to lose their way.

Soran Civil Defense confirmed the successful rescue to Kurdistan24, bringing an end to the search for the five missing climbers. Further details about their physical condition and the circumstances of their rescue were not immediately provided.

Five Civil Defense Teams Mobilized

Earlier on Friday, Rawand Hawdiani, spokesperson for Soran Civil Defense, told Kurdistan24 that the directorate's control room had received an emergency call in the afternoon reporting that five members of the seven-person group were missing.

According to Hawdiani, heavy fog and a snowstorm near the mountain's summit had significantly reduced visibility, causing the mountaineers to lose their way.

Following the emergency report, five Civil Defense teams were dispatched to the mountain under the supervision of Karwan Mirawdali, director of Soran Civil Defense.

The teams, working in coordination with Choman Civil Defense, launched an intensive search operation despite difficult weather conditions, including snow and dense fog that complicated movement across the mountainous terrain.

The emergency response involved coordination between the two Civil Defense directorates, whose personnel worked to locate the missing mountaineers in challenging conditions.

The initial report did not identify the missing individuals or provide information about their ages. Authorities have not yet released additional details about the rescue operation or whether any of the mountaineers required medical assistance.

Mount Halgurd's Challenging Terrain

Mount Halgurd is located in Choman district, within the Soran Independent Administration of Erbil province. Standing 3,607 meters above sea level, it is regarded as the highest mountain in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The mountain is among the Region's most challenging destinations for climbers because of its elevation, rugged terrain and severe weather conditions, particularly during the colder months.

Snow can remain in parts of Halgurd even during summer, while rapidly changing mountain weather can create hazardous conditions for hikers and mountaineers.

The mountain is also known for its natural beauty, attracting visitors interested in hiking, mountain climbing and exploring the surrounding landscape. Melting snow feeds streams and small lakes that become popular destinations during warmer seasons.

However, the difficult terrain and unpredictable weather mean that mountaineering expeditions require considerable preparation, appropriate equipment and the assistance of experienced mountain guides.

Friday's incident demonstrated the dangers posed by sudden changes in weather, particularly when heavy snowfall and thick fog affect visibility near the summit.

What began as a recreational expedition for seven mountaineers from Duhok turned into an emergency when five members became lost in the deteriorating conditions.

The confirmation from Soran Civil Defense that all five have been rescued marks a successful conclusion to the search operation.

This report was updated on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, at 03:50pm.