Iraq Launches Anti-Corruption Crackdown, Detains Politicians

Early Sunday morning, Iraqi security forces detained several politicians, members of parliament and high-ranking government officials. According to security and judicial sources, this marks the beginning of a broader anti-corruption campaign ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.

Members of the elite Counter Terrorism Service carried out raids on the homes of politicians and high-ranking officials in the heavily guarded Green Zone in Baghdad. The arrests were made on the basis of arrest warrants issued by Iraqi judicial authorities as part of an investigation into suspected corruption networks. Authorities have not yet officially reported on the course of the operation.

Al-Zaidi, who took office in May, has pledged to fight deeply entrenched corruption. Sunday's operation followed the recent arrests of several high-ranking officials, including the deputy minister of oil. According to the state news agency INA, some of the new arrest warrants were issued based on his testimony, which reportedly pointed to a broader network of suspects.

According to sources, some suspects managed to flee before security forces arrived. Authorities therefore closed the entrances to the Green Zone and launched a large-scale manhunt. The operation is expected to continue in the coming days.

(Reuters, bak)