47 Iraqi officials arrested as part of anti-corruption crackdown ordered by new prime minister [kXHdnGNTuJD]
“Today Iraq will start a new page, a new Iraq. Weapons are restricted to the hand of the state. Power is held only by the hand of the state.” Iraqi security forces arrested 47 lawmakers, politicians and senior government officials in overnight raids as part of an anti-corruption crackdown ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. The operation targeted suspected corruption networks after judicial authorities issued arrest warrants. Elite Counter Terrorism Service units were seen operating across Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, while armoured vehicles were deployed throughout the capital during the raids. Authorities around $84m as part of the investigation. The arrests followed testimony from former deputy oil minister Adnan al-Jumaili, who was detained in May on corruption charges and allegedly implicated by a wider network of officials. Several additional suspects reportedly fled before security forces arrived, with authorities saying further arrests are expected. The crackdown forms part of al-Zaidi's pledge to tackle Iraq's deeply entrenched corruption after taking office in May. Corruption has long been viewed as one of the country's most persistent political and economic challenges. Support stories that matter. Join this channel to get access to perks: Catch previous episodes of MEE LIVE, our biweekly news programme exploring the stories shaping our world through breaking coverage, expert analysis, and hard-hitting interviews. Originally airing Tuesdays & Thursdays at 12pm ET | 5pm BST Got a story tip or question? Reach us at [email protected] Subscribe to our channel: Subscribe to MEE Telegram channel to stay up to date: Middle East Eye Website: Follow us on TikTok: Follow us on Instagram: Like us on Facebook: Follow us on Twitter: