Iraqi security forces launched raids in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone early Sunday to arrest officials, two security sources told AFP, amid heavy deployment in the area. The Green Zone houses the US embassy and other diplomatic missions, as well as international institutions and government offices. High-ranking officials and politicians also live there.
Raids Target Senior Officials Over Corruption
Video footage shared on local Telegram channels showed security forces in heavy vehicles such as tanks in the Green Zone, including a clip of them inside a compound and, in one instance, inside a house. AFP correspondents reported heavy security deployment at the entrances of the Green Zone. The large-scale raids were aimed at arresting senior Iraqi officials and politicians.
A security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that a "raid targeted several politicians over financial corruption, per judicial orders," adding that the operation involved anti-terrorism forces and the military.
Heavy Deployment and Arrests Underway
The raids mark a significant escalation in anti-corruption efforts by Iraqi authorities. The Green Zone, a highly secure area in central Baghdad, is home to key government buildings and foreign embassies, including the US embassy. The presence of tanks and heavy vehicles underscores the seriousness of the operation.
Further details on the number of arrests or identities of those targeted were not immediately available. The operation continues as security forces remain on high alert.
