Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has launched a sweeping anti-corruption operation in Baghdad’s Green Zone, targeting senior politicians, lawmakers and officials after earlier investigations exposed extensive networks of suspected graft.
Elite Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) units carried out early-morning raids on Sunday, executing arrest warrants at the homes and offices of high-ranking officials inside the heavily fortified Green Zone. Authorities said the operation followed earlier investigations and evidence, including testimony from Adnan al-Jumaili, the deputy oil minister for refining affairs, which implicated additional officials in alleged corruption schemes.
Some suspects reportedly managed to evade arrest, prompting authorities to close Green Zone entrances and deploy search teams to locate them. The operation is part of a broader campaign announced by Zaidi, who took office in May and pledged to tackle entrenched corruption that has long undermined governance in Iraq.
Previous arrests, including those of al-Jumaili and other senior officials, triggered a chain of warrants executed during Sunday’s raids. State news agency INA cited a senior official as saying the measures target organised networks accused of misusing public funds and resources.
Human rights observers and political analysts have highlighted the scale and significance of the campaign, pointing to its potential political and legal ramifications for Iraq’s governing elite. Zaidi’s office said the crackdown aims to hold individuals accountable and strengthen transparency in public administration.
Officials said investigations would continue in the coming days, suggesting the campaign is far from over and could lead to further detentions as authorities pursue additional evidence.
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