Shafaq News | Latest breaking news in Iraq and the world https://shafaq.com/en/en?rss=1 Shafaaq News Agency Sun, 19 Jul 2026 12:03:57 +0000 ar hourly 3 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-court-records-confessions-in-Al-Yamani-marriage-cases https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-court-records-confessions-in-Al-Yamani-marriage-cases Iraq court records confessions in Al-Yamani marriage cases

Shafaq News-Baghdad

A court in Baghdadhas ratified the confessions of two defendants accused of belonging to theAhmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL), locally known as the Al-Yamani Movement, Iraq'sSupreme Judicial Council said on Sunday.

Thedefendants admitted knowing that a girl had been hidden to facilitate hermarriage outside Iraq and her entry into the group, and using a Telegramchannel to arrange marriages among members and encourage young people toemigrate, according to the council.

Authorities areworking to execute arrest warrants against other suspects.

The movementis led by Ahmed al-Hasan al-Yamani,a Shiite religious figure who claims to be the messianic “Al-Yamani.” InTwelver Shiite Islam, the dominant branch of Islam in Iraq, Al-Yamani isexpected to emerge before the reappearance of the Mahdi, the Twelfth Imam.

In April2025, an Iraqi security source told Shafaq News that authorities had detained a"high-value target" believed to be the movement's chief strategist inNajaf province. Iraqi security agencies have repeatedly described such groupsas "deviant" movements that threaten social stability, while Iraq'sleading Shiite cleric, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, has rejected claims byindividuals asserting they represent or are the awaited Mahdi, warning thatsuch assertions mislead the public and exploit periods of instability.

]]> Sun, 19 Jul 2026 10:33:06 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-captures-two-ISIS-members-destroys-militant-vehicle https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-captures-two-ISIS-members-destroys-militant-vehicle Iraq captures two ISIS members, destroys militant vehicle

Shafaq News- Kirkuk/ Al-Anbar

Iraqi security forces arrested two suspected ISISmembers and destroyed a vehicle linked to the group during separate operationsin two provinces, authorities announced on Sunday.

The Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) reported seizingan ISIS weapons cache containing mortar shells, rockets, RPG-7 rounds, and handgrenades in north-central Iraq’s Kirkuk province, where the arrests took place.

In western Al-Anbar, a Popular Mobilization Forces(PMF) unit found a Kia vehicle used by ISIS members within its area ofresponsibility. The vehicle was destroyed on site without casualties ormaterial damage.

Although ISIS lost its territorial strongholds in Iraqin 2017, the group continues to operate as an insurgency in desert and ruralareas, particularly in Diyala, Kirkuk, Saladin, and Al-Anbar. During the firsthalf of 2026, the Interior Ministry recorded the dismantling of four ISIScells, nearly 80 preemptive operations, and the issuance of 479 arrest warrantsunder the country’s Anti-Terrorism Law.

Read more: Iraq’s western desert from ISIS hideouts to new security challenges

]]> Sun, 19 Jul 2026 06:31:29 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/PMF-tribunal-hands-ISIS-members-15-years https://shafaq.com/en/Security/PMF-tribunal-hands-ISIS-members-15-years PMF tribunal hands ISIS members 15 years

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Courts affiliated with Iraq’s Popular MobilizationForces (PMF) sentenced four ISIS members to 15 years in prison, theorganization disclosed on Saturday.

The investigation determined that the convicted individuals belonged tothe group’s so-called Wilayat Fallujah (Fallujah Province). The PMF did notprovide information about their identities or when they were captured.

Although ISIS lost its territorial strongholds in Iraq in 2017, itcontinues to operate through cells in remote areas. The Interior Ministryreported dismantling four ISIS cells, conducting about 80 preemptiveoperations, and issuing 479 terrorism-related arrest warrants in the first halfof 2026.

Read more: Iraq’s western desert from ISIS hideouts to new security challenges

]]> Sat, 18 Jul 2026 08:30:30 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-nabs-five-wanted-terror-suspects https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-nabs-five-wanted-terror-suspects Iraq nabs five wanted terror suspects

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi military intelligence forces arrested five peoplewanted on terrorism charges during security operations across Diyala, Kirkukand Nineveh provinces, the Military Intelligence Directorate disclosed onFriday.

The security campaign involved units from the 1st and 8thdivisions, the 14th Infantry Division and the 23rd Commando Division.

The five detainees were wanted under previous judicialarrest warrants issued in accordance with Article 4/1 of Iraq’sCounter-Terrorism Law.

Last month, Iraq’s National Security Service (INSS)detained 301 suspects in eight security and criminal cases. Those arrestedincluded 26 people accused of terrorism-related offenses, 57 suspected drugtraffickers and dealers, 101 individuals accused of blackmail and threats, and41 suspects charged with fraud and financial scams.

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 22:04:22 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iran-attacks-US-base-in-Qatar-Kuwait-urges-residents-to-conserve-electricity https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iran-attacks-US-base-in-Qatar-Kuwait-urges-residents-to-conserve-electricity Iran attacks US base in Qatar, Kuwait urges residents to conserve electricity

Shafaq News- Tehran/ Doha/ Washington (Updated at 18:59)

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out,on Friday, a "large-scale surprise attack" on the US Al-Udeid AirBase in Qatar, after announcing strikes on military equipment at a US base inKuwait.

According to IRGC, the attacks were “retaliation for US warcrimes and attacks on civilians.”

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said forces had destroyed the ShahidKalantari Port surveillance tower in Chabahar on July 16, identifying it aspart of an IRGC maritime surveillance network used to monitor commercialvessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The operation, the command added, wasintended to reduce the group’s ability to coordinate attacks on civilianshipping and protect freedom of navigation in regional waters.

Iranian state television said a US strike earlier targetedthe maritime control tower in Chabahar, describing it as the third missileattack in recent days. The broadcaster noted that the strike completelydestroyed the tower, which was responsible for managing maritime navigation andcoordinating fishing rescue operations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Israelwas conducting "a broad campaign" to mislead the US administrationand push it toward "an unwinnable war."

In Kuwait, the Ministry of Electricity revealed that Iranianstrikes damaged a large number of power generation and water desalinationunits. The ministry activated emergency plans immediately after the attack tolimit its impact and preserve the stability of the national electricity grid. “Firefightingteams had brought the resulting blaze under control, and we urge citizens andresidents to conserve electricity during an exceptional period."

At sea, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO)said military activity off the coast of Oman affected an oil tanker and acommercial vessel.

The UKMTO also added that it received a report of anincident involving a merchant ship and military forces east of Duqm, off thecoast of Oman. It later reported that unauthorized individuals had boarded avessel about 65 nautical miles south of Mukalla, Yemen, while it was sailingeast of the Gulf of Aden. 

Reuters, citing maritime security sources, reported thatarmed men had seized the chemical tanker Asana in the Gulf of Aden while it wasen route to Bosaso, Somalia.

Separately, maritime analytics firm Kpler reported that onlyeight ships transited the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, marking the lowestdaily traffic through the strategic waterway in three weeks.

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:49:20 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-sentences-ISIS-bomb-maker-arrests-five-suspects https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-sentences-ISIS-bomb-maker-arrests-five-suspects Iraq sentences ISIS bomb-maker, arrests five suspects

Shafaq News- Baghdad

An Iraqi court sentenced an ISIS bomb-maker to death, while security forces arrested five terrorism suspects in Diyala, Kirkuk, and Nineveh provinces, security agencies announced on Friday.

The Iraqi National Security Service, which detained the convict, known as Abu Mohammed, in Nineveh, said he had operated a mobile workshop that armored vehicles and rigged them with explosives for ISIS.

The Military Intelligence Directorate arrested five suspects wanted under Article 4(1) of the Anti-Terrorism Law and transferred them to the relevant authorities.

Although ISIS lost its territorial strongholds in Iraq in 2017, it continues to operate through cells in remote areas. The Interior Ministry reported dismantling four ISIS cells, conducting about 80 preemptive operations, and issuing 479 terrorism-related arrest warrants in the first half of 2026.

Read more: Iraq’s western desert from ISIS hideouts to new security challenges

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:06:48 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Baghdad-starts-investigating-arms-shipment-smuggled-toward-Syrian-border https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Baghdad-starts-investigating-arms-shipment-smuggled-toward-Syrian-border Baghdad starts investigating arms shipment smuggled toward Syrian border

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The high-level committee, established by the Iraqi Joint Operations Commandand tasked with investigating the smuggling of an arms shipment across Iraq'sborder with Syria, officially began its work Friday, a senior security sourcetold Shafaq News.

The inquiry extends beyond the border crossing's administration andcivil offices there to a wide range of security units and military checkpointsresponsible for securing the overland routes and areas the tanker passedthrough before reaching the border, the source said.

The committee is reviewing duty logs and inspection records forcheckpoints along that route. It is to submit its findings to theCommander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces within 48 hours for ratification.

On Friday, the Syrian authorities said they seized a shipment ofweapons, missiles, and drones that crossed from Iraq into Syria hidden insidean oil tanker declared as heavy fuel oil before Syrian authorities and said thecargo was bound for Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

A senior Iraqi security source told Shafaq News the tanker left Iraqiterritory by land about nine days earlier, its opening closed and fully sealedby customs, with instructions not to open it before reaching its finaldestination, ostensibly to avoid having the shipment rejected by the receivingstate.

The tanker crossed the border through the al-Tanf crossing, according tothe source, “exploiting the absence of specialized sonar equipment capable ofdetecting weapons or prohibited materials inside liquid tankers at thecrossing.” The weapons also evaded K9 police dogs because they had been wrappedin insulating bags and submerged in dense heavy fuel oil to make detection moredifficult.

The tanker cleared the Iraqi side but was found, upon inspection on theSyrian side, to be loaded with large quantities of weapons, missiles, anddrones concealed “professionally to disguise the cargo and evade monitoring,”according to the account.

The source described the operation as a "serious securitybreach" requiring an urgent investigation to determine the circumstancesof the incident, hold negligent parties accountable, and strengthen inspectionand monitoring at border crossings, given the risk to the country's securityand the reputation of its crossings.

Hezbollah dismissed the accusations that it maintains any activity inside Syrian territory, calling them fabricated accounts with no basis in fact. “The accusations are intended to damage Hezbollah and serve the Zionist-American project in the region,” the group's media relations office said, without referring to any specific incident.

Read more: Exclusive: How did arms from Iraq reach Syria for Hezbollah?

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 10:20:51 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-raids-five-houses-in-expanding-corruption-probe https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-raids-five-houses-in-expanding-corruption-probe Iraq raids five houses in expanding corruption probe

Shafaq News- Nineveh

A joint force from Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity (CoI) and SWAT units raided five houses south of Mosul on Thursday as part of an ongoing corruption investigation, a security source told Shafaq News.

The operation targeted properties in Al-Marir village after intelligence indicated large sums of cash linked to a former official might be hidden there, the source said. The sites belonged to people close to the former official, some of whom had worked with him during his tenure.

Security forces searched the properties for several hours but did not find the suspected funds, according to the source.

During the operation, authorities seized three AK-47 rifles and one unlicensed PKC machine gun before completing the raid and withdrawing from the area.

Read more: Iraq detains top officials in anti-corruption sweep

Iraq launched the Dawn Crackdown (Sawlat Al-Fajr), a nationwide anti-corruption campaign, on June 28, targeting lawmakers, officials, politicians, and business figures accused of illicit enrichment and the waste of public funds. 

Read more: Iraq's Dawn Crackdown by numbers

]]> Fri, 17 Jul 2026 05:52:39 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Four-suspected-Iranian-missiles-land-near-Iraq-border https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Four-suspected-Iranian-missiles-land-near-Iraq-border Four suspected Iranian missiles hit near Iraq border

Shafaq News- Basra/ Kuwait City

Four suspected Iranian missiles landed on Kuwaiti territory about 100 metres from Iraq’s maritime border overnight Thursday, Iraqi security sources told Shafaq News.

The impacts were observed from nearby Iraqi positions. The missiles’ type and intended targets were not immediately known, and no casualties or damage were reported.

Iran has launched missiles and drones toward US facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan in response to a fifth consecutive night of US strikes inside Iran. Kuwait’s Armed Forces reported intercepting four missiles and 21 drones from Iran on Wednesday, with several facilities sustaining material damage.

US forces, meanwhile, struck bridges, transport infrastructure, communications sites, radars, and missile and drone launch positions across southern Iran, leaving at least two people killed and 10 wounded, according to Iranian media.

The renewed fighting began after US President Donald Trump announced the collapse of the June 8 Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, accusing Iran of targeting commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 22:05:30 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/US-Embassy-urges-Americans-in-Iraq-to-remain-on-high-alert https://shafaq.com/en/Security/US-Embassy-urges-Americans-in-Iraq-to-remain-on-high-alert US Embassy urges Americans in Iraq to stay alert

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The US Mission in Iraq on Thursday urged American citizensto remain on high alert following “Iran-enabled drone attacks on Erbil on July15,” warning that further travel disruptions and airspace closures could occurwith little notice.

The embassy also reiterated the US State Department's Level4: Do Not Travel advisory for Iraq, citing terrorism, kidnapping, armedconflict, civil unrest, and the US government's limited ability to provideemergency services to American citizens in the country.

"Do not travel to Iraq for any reason," theadvisory said. 

Read more: Iran-aligned Iraqi faction denies role in Erbil drone strike

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 18:04:42 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-forms-committee-to-investigate-foiled-weapons-smuggling-into-Syria https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-forms-committee-to-investigate-foiled-weapons-smuggling-into-Syria Iraq probes foiled Syria-bound weapons shipment

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq's Joint Operations Command (JOC) established onThursday a high-level committee to investigate a foiled attempt to smuggleweapons and missiles across the Iraqi border into Syria.

The committee was established under the direction of the Commander-in-Chiefof the Armed Forces and Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi and includes representativesfrom relevant government agencies and specialists tasked with examining thecircumstances surrounding the attempted smuggling operation.

“Iraqi authorities will coordinate with their Syriancounterparts to determine all details related to the incident and hold thoseresponsible accountable,” JOC said, adding that the measures “aim to safeguardsecurity along the shared border and prevent any attempts to undermine nationalsecurity.”

Earlier on Thursday, Syria's General Authority for BorderCrossings and Customs intercepted a large shipment of drones and missiles atthe Al-Tanf border crossing. According to the agency, the weapons werecarefully concealed inside an oil tanker heading to the coastal city ofBaniyas.

The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) cited the InteriorMinistry as saying preliminary investigations indicated that the cargo wasdestined to pass through Syria en route to Lebanon's Hezbollah. 

Read more: Exclusive: How did arms from Iraq reach Syria for Hezbollah?

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 12:46:41 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Exclusive-How-did-arms-from-Iraq-reach-Syria-for-Hezbollah https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Exclusive-How-did-arms-from-Iraq-reach-Syria-for-Hezbollah Exclusive: How did arms from Iraq reach Syria for Hezbollah?

Shafaq News- Baghdad

A shipment of weapons, missiles, and drones crossed from Iraq into Syriahidden inside an oil tanker declared as heavy fuel oil before Syrianauthorities seized it and said the cargo was bound for Lebanon’s Hezbollah.

Read more: Syria seizes Hezbollah-bound weapons at Iraqi border

A senior Iraqi security source told Shafaq News the tanker left Iraqiterritory by land about nine days earlier, its opening closed and fully sealedby customs, with instructions not to open it before reaching its finaldestination, ostensibly to avoid having the shipment rejected by the receivingstate.

The tanker crossed the border through the al-Tanf crossing, according tothe source, “exploiting the absence of specialized sonar equipment capable ofdetecting weapons or prohibited materials inside liquid tankers at thecrossing.” The weapons also evaded K9 police dogs because they had been wrappedin insulating bags and submerged in dense heavy fuel oil to make detection moredifficult.

The tanker cleared the Iraqi side but was found, upon inspection on theSyrian side, to be loaded with large quantities of weapons, missiles, anddrones concealed “professionally to disguise the cargo and evade monitoring,”according to the account.

The source described the operation as a "serious securitybreach" requiring an urgent investigation to determine the circumstancesof the incident, hold negligent parties accountable, and strengthen inspectionand monitoring at border crossings, given the risk to the country's securityand the reputation of its crossings.

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:50:08 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Baath-party-supporter-arrested-in-Iraq-s-Dhi-Qar https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Baath-party-supporter-arrested-in-Iraq-s-Dhi-Qar Baath party supporter arrested in Iraq’s Dhi Qar

Shafaq News- Dhi Qar

Iraq’s National Security Service(INSS) captured a man accused of promoting the outlawed Baath Party in Dhi Qarprovince, a security source told Shafaq News on Thursday.

The detainee, in his twenties, wastaken into custody in Suq al-Shuyukh district, south of the province, after anarrest warrant was issued against him under Article 9 of Law No. 32 of 2016.

The Baath Party, which ruled Iraqunder Saddam Hussein until the US-led invasion in 2003, was officially outlawedunder the 2005 Iraqi Constitution. The Baath Party Ban Law was later enacted tocriminalize any form of promotion or glorification of the party.

Read more: Iraq’s Elections under the Shadow of De-Baathification

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 11:19:09 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Najaf-arrests-oil-distribution-director-on-corruption-charges https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Najaf-arrests-oil-distribution-director-on-corruption-charges Najaf arrests oil distribution director on corruption charges

Shafaq News- Najaf

A security force arrested the director general of the Oil ProductsDistribution Company, Zaid al-Makhzoumi, in Najaf on Thursday on charges offinancial corruption, a security source told Shafaq News.

The force carried out the operation alongside a team from the Commissionof Integrity, Iraq's federal anti-corruption body, over alleged financialcorruption, manipulation, and forgery of official documents relating to landplots in the province, according to the source.

Al-Makhzoumi was taken to a security center to complete legal proceduresand face investigation.

Iraqi anti-corruption authorities on Wednesday also detained thedirector of the Middle Euphrates Electricity Production Company and severalemployees in Babil Province.

Read more: Iraq's Dawn Crackdown by numbers: 67 arrests explained

*The Oil Products Distribution Company is a state firm under theMinistry of Oil responsible for distributing refined fuel products.

]]> Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:57:38 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-foils-bid-to-smuggle-44-kg-of-opium https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-foils-bid-to-smuggle-44-kg-of-opium Iraq foils bid to smuggle 40+ kg of opium

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Border forces seized 44 kilograms of opium hidden inside a truck at Al-Mundhiriyah border crossing with Iran on Wednesday, Iraq’s Interior Ministry stated.

The drugs were concealed beneath a shipment of honey in an apparent attempt to smuggle them into the country.

During the first half of 2026, Iraq seized about 2 metric tons of narcotics and more than 4 million illicit pills, while courts handed down 58 death sentences and 263 life sentences in drug-related cases.

Read more: Iraq fights back against synthetic drug flood

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 21:38:53 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-arrests-four-over-ISIS-flag-incident-in-Kirkuk https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-arrests-four-over-ISIS-flag-incident-in-Kirkuk Four arrested after ISIS flag incident in Kirkuk

Shafaq News- Kirkuk

Iraqi security forces detained four people accused of raising anISIS flag and threatening residents south of Kirkuk, a security source toldShafaq News on Wednesday.

The arrests came after an investigation into the incident in Ananahvillage, Daquq district, which had sparked concern among residents.

Preliminary findings do not indicate a direct link to ISIS, asavailable evidence suggests the suspects are residents of the village, thesource said.

Last month, Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) arrested threesuspected ISIS members in separate operations across Al-Sulaymaniyah, Saladin,and Al-Anbar provinces.

Read more: Discover Iraq: Kirkuk, a city of oil, culture, and conflict

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:19:26 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-arrests-power-company-director-in-corruption-sweep https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-arrests-power-company-director-in-corruption-sweep Iraq arrests power company director in corruption sweep

Shafaq News- Babil

Iraqi anti-corruption authorities on Wednesday detained the director of the Middle Euphrates Electricity Production Company and several employees, a security source told Shafaq News.

The source did not disclose the charges or the number of employees detained.

Iraq launched the Dawn Crackdown (Sawlat Al-Fajr), a nationwide anti-corruption campaign, on June 28, targeting lawmakers, officials, politicians, and business figures accused of illicit enrichment and the waste of public funds.

Read more: Iraq's Dawn Crackdown by numbers: 67 arrests explained

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 18:02:35 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Army-officer-arrested-in-Ramadi-cash-seizure https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Army-officer-arrested-in-Ramadi-cash-seizure Army officer arrested in Ramadi cash seizure

Shafaq News-Ramadi

A securityforce arrested on Wednesday an officer in the Iraqi army in Ramadi, the capitalof the western province of al-Anbar, and seized about 96 billion Iraqi dinarsin cash ($73M).

A securitysource told Shafaq News that the raid targeted the officer's residence in theStreet 20 district of Ramadi. Preliminary information also indicates theofficer owns a bank.

The investigationremains ongoing.

Read more: Iraq's Dawn Crackdown by numbers: 67 arrests explained

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 10:58:49 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Drone-crashes-inside-Iraq-s-Grand-Faw-Port-project https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Drone-crashes-inside-Iraq-s-Grand-Faw-Port-project Drone crashes inside Iraq's Grand Faw Port project

Shafaq News- Basra

An unidentified drone crashed inside the Grand Faw Port project in Iraq's southern Basra province, a well-informed source said on Wednesday.

Video obtained by Shafaq News captured the moment the drone fell into an open area within the port's construction site before exploding and catching fire.

The incident caused no casualties, with damage limited to minor material losses at the impact site.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:06:55 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/JOC-warns-against-using-Iraqi-territory-to-attack-neighbors https://shafaq.com/en/Security/JOC-warns-against-using-Iraqi-territory-to-attack-neighbors JOC warns against using Iraqi territory to attack neighbors

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraqi territory will not be used as a launchpad for attacksagainst neighboring countries or any other state, Iraq's Joint OperationsCommand (JOC) Media Cell said on Tuesday.

During a meeting of senior military commanders, theparticipants stressed “the need to respond firmly to any attempt to undermineinternal security, or damage Iraq's relations with its neighbors,” and torespect the country's sovereignty, security, and stability.

Earlier today, Kuwait condemned attacks “by Iran and itsproxies in Iraq” against Kuwaiti sovereignty and its consulate in Basra.According to Arab media reports, Kuwait called on the Iraqi government to takeimmediate action to hold those responsible for the alleged violationsaccountable.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 20:09:28 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-arrests-Defense-Ministry-officials-in-71-million-corruption-case https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-arrests-Defense-Ministry-officials-in-71-million-corruption-case Iraq arrests Defense Ministry officials in $71M corruption case

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Iraq's Federal Commission of Integrity on Tuesday announcedthe arrest of the Director General of Military Works at the Ministry ofDefense, along with senior military officers and engineers, over allegedcorruption involving a government contract worth more than 92.8 billion Iraqidinars (about $71 million).

The commission said its investigative team, which reviewedDefense Ministry contracts in cooperation with the Rapid Response Forces,carried out arrest warrants issued by the Central Anti-Corruption CriminalCourt. The operation targeted a brigadier general, a colonel, a brigadier, andfive engineers from the Directorate of Military Works.

Investigators stated that their review of governmentcontracts uncovered suspected financial and administrative corruption, as wellas serious violations in the procurement and pricing procedures of a contractbetween the Directorate of Military Works and a foreign company.

According to the commission, the ministry awarded thecontract through direct negotiation instead of using a competitive biddingprocess. Investigators also found significant price inflation in multiplecontract items and numerous amendments that substantially increased theproject's estimated cost.

The arrest comes as Iraqi authorities continue a nationwideanti-corruption campaign that began on June 28, 2026. Since the campaignstarted, security forces and anti-corruption agencies have raided the homes ofmembers of parliament, politicians, and business figures in Baghdad and otherprovinces over allegations of illicit enrichment and the misuse of publicfunds.

Read more: Iraq's Dawn Crackdown by numbers: 67 arrests explained

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 18:42:30 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/15-jailed-for-promoting-banned-Baath-Party https://shafaq.com/en/Security/15-jailed-for-promoting-banned-Baath-Party 15+ jailed for promoting banned Baath Party

Shafaq News- Baghdad

The Karkh Criminal Court on Tuesday sentenced 18 people to three years in prison for belonging to and promoting the banned Baath Party through social media, the Supreme Judicial Council said.

The defendants found guilty under Iraq's 2016 law banning the Baath Party, and organizations engaged in racist, terrorist, and extremist activities, as well as provisions of the Iraqi Penal Code governing criminal participation.

The Baath Party ruled Iraq for almost 36 years under former President Saddam Hussein until his government was toppled in the US-led invasion in 2003.

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 12:35:20 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Probe-opens-into-missing-140B-in-public-revenues https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Probe-opens-into-missing-140B-in-public-revenues Probe opens into missing $140B in public revenues

Shafaq News-Baghdad

Iraq'sPublic Prosecution has opened a judicial investigation into the suspecteddisappearance of $140 billion in state revenues, following a formal complaintfiled by a member of parliament's Legal Committee.

According toofficial documents obtained by Shafaq News, lawmaker Mohammed Jasim al-Khafajisubmitted the complaint on June 27 to the head of the Public Prosecution,requesting a formal investigation based on recorded statements by formerFinance Ministry Undersecretary Masoud Haider, in which he said he did not knowhow $140 billion in Iraqi revenues had been spent over three years.

Read more: Iraq's Dawn Crackdown by numbers: 67 arrests explained

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 10:32:58 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Security-force-raids-Kirkuk-home-in-al-Jumaili-corruption-case https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Security-force-raids-Kirkuk-home-in-al-Jumaili-corruption-case Security force raids Kirkuk home in al-Jumaili corruption case

Shafaq News-Kirkuk

A jointsecurity force accompanied by a detachment from the Commission of Integrity,Iraq's anti-corruption body, searched the Al-Qadisiyah neighborhood of Kirkukon Tuesday for a wanted man close to detained Oil Ministry Undersecretary forRefining Affairs Adnan al-Jumaili.

A local sourcetold Shafaq News that the force imposed a cordon around the area whilesearching for the man, who is the subject of a judicial arrest warrant oncharges of financial and administrative corruption. He was not found at hishome, and oversight and security agencies are continuing their pursuit of thoseimplicated in the file.

Al-Jumaili wasarrested in May in the Ishaqi area of Saladin province and dismissed from hispost on June 2. His testimony under interrogation has produced arrest warrantsagainst more than 70 officials, according to Iraqi judicial statements andShafaq News sources, and forms the basis of a widening inquiry under the DawnCrackdown that has drawn in members of parliament, provincial officials, andbusinessmen.

On Monday, theNineveh Integrity Investigation Court ordered the seizure of assets worth about69 billion Iraqi dinars, roughly 52.4 million dollars, in a money launderingand corruption case linked to al-Jumaili and other suspects. Iraq's SupremeJudicial Council separately announced the recovery of 375 kilograms of goldtied to the same case.

Read more: Iraq's Dawn Crackdown by numbers: 67 arrests explained

]]> Tue, 14 Jul 2026 09:59:10 +0000 https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-records-600-suicides-despite-falling-crime https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Iraq-records-600-suicides-despite-falling-crime Iraq records 600+ suicides despite falling crime

Shafaq News- Baghdad

Suicide cases in Iraq reached 617 in the first half of 2026 despite an 18% decline in overall crime, the Interior Ministry stated on Tuesday, warning that the phenomenon was becoming an increasingly serious social challenge.

Read more: Iraq’s rising suicide cases

Presenting the ministry's mid-year security assessment, Interior Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Muqdad Miri said authorities recorded the sharpest decline in crime in Baghdad's al-Karkh district, where criminal incidents fell 51%, while Basra reported the highest number of criminal cases nationwide. Security forces solved 82% of reported crimes, including 79% of homicide cases.

The ministry also reported major gains in law enforcement during the first six months of the year. Authorities arrested 766 suspects over celebratory and illegal gunfire, seized nearly 2 metric tons of narcotics and more than 4 million illicit pills, while courts handed down 58 death sentences and 263 life sentences in drug-related cases. Security forces also conducted 17 intelligence operations beyond Iraq's borders.

Read more: Iraq fights back against synthetic drug flood

Border forces arrested 2,054 infiltrators and fugitives, confiscated hundreds of vehicles and shipping containers used in smuggling operations, and seized contraband including cigarettes, unlicensed medicines, narcotics, fuel, livestock, gold, and foreign currency.

The ministry said Energy Police arrested 378 suspects involved in fuel smuggling, dismantled 28 smuggling sites in Baghdad and Saladin, and seized more than 9 million liters of petroleum products intended for illegal trade.

Separately, authorities arrested 83 suspects in cyber extortion cases, 25 in online financial fraud investigations and 52 linked to human trafficking. The ministry also recorded more than 9,000 cases of domestic violence involving assaults by husbands against their wives, compared with 2,235 cases involving wives assaulting their husbands.

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