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Iraq Raids Green Zone and Detains Lawmakers in Early-Morning Anti-Corruption Operation

The raids were ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi and rely on testimony from a detained deputy oil minister, signaling a forceful move to prosecute entrenched graft.

Overview

  • Iraqi elite Counter-Terrorism Service and military units entered Baghdad’s Green Zone before dawn on Sunday to carry out coordinated searches and arrests inside the capital’s political and diplomatic district.
  • Security reports obtained by multiple outlets said seven people were detained, including five members of parliament, though some local agencies later reported higher arrest totals as the probe expanded.
  • The operation used armoured vehicles and tanks to seal entrances and restrict movement while teams executed judicial arrest warrants inside residences and government compounds.
  • Authorities say the raids grew from testimony given by former deputy oil minister Adnan al-Jumaili after his detention and followed earlier seizures of roughly $85–86 million linked to the probe.
  • Some arrestees were tied to the political bloc of former prime minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, raising the risk of sharper factional tensions as searches continue and officials have yet to issue a formal public statement.