Elite units from Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service took 38 politicians, lawmakers, and high-ranking government figures into custody during overnight raids carried out inside Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, as part of a widening corruption probe.
The operation was conducted under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi. Security forces sealed off all access points to the Green Zone at approximately 2:00 a.m. Sunday before launching coordinated raids on the residences of prominent officials throughout the secured district.
Security sources also confirmed that authorities simultaneously raided the headquarters of the Midland Oil Company, located south of Baghdad, as part of the same operation.
In the wake of the arrests, videos circulating on social media captured extended bursts of gunfire in the area. Military vehicles and tanks were also filmed moving through the Green Zone following the operation.
Among those taken into custody were at least five sitting members of Parliament, whose legislative immunity had previously been lifted. Several senior security officials and civil servants were also arrested. Security sources noted that a number of suspects managed to flee before authorities arrived, triggering an expanded manhunt for additional individuals connected to the investigation.
The crackdown traces back to the arrest last month of former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili. Officials say his confessions, along with documents recovered during his detention, allegedly revealed what investigators described as a large, organized network engaged in corruption, illegal accumulation of wealth, and abuse of power.
According to security sources, Sunday’s overnight operation stands as one of the largest coordinated enforcement actions ever taken against senior officials in the Iraqi capital. The raids were concentrated within the Green Zone, the tightly guarded enclave that houses major government buildings and official residences.
Authorities have not indicated that the investigation is complete. The search for suspects who evaded arrest continues, and officials say the broader corruption inquiry remains active as they pursue all individuals allegedly tied to the reported network.
