Iraq prevents arms smuggling along borders in Diyala and Maysan

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced on Wednesday that it successfully prevented arms smuggling operations in the Diyala and Maysan provinces, both bordering Iran.

In its statement, the ministry reaffirmed its commitment to securing Iraq’s borders with neighboring countries. While Iran was not directly mentioned, the operations took place in provinces that share borders with the country.

“The second battalion of the 8th Border Brigade intercepted two smugglers attempting to traffic weapons along the border in Diyala province,” the statement read. “During a clash with security forces, one smuggler was killed, and another was injured and arrested. Authorities confiscated two weapons and two boxes of ammunition.”

In Maysan, the third battalion of the 10th Border Brigade foiled another smuggling attempt, engaging in a firefight with three smugglers. One was injured, and all three were arrested. The security forces seized 12 Kalashnikov rifles during the operation.

The ministry stated that preliminary investigations revealed all the smugglers were foreign nationals. One border security officer was injured during the Diyala operation.

“The Ministry has ensured that Iraq’s borders with all neighboring countries are highly fortified. Intensive security and intelligence efforts have played a crucial role in preventing infiltration and thwarting smuggling attempts,” the statement added, crediting the successes to the use of modern technology and advanced equipment.

The ministry did not specify if the smugglers were affiliated with any groups or the intended destination of the weapons and ammunition.

In late 2022, Iraqi authorities seized over 600 weapons, including Kalashnikov rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition, during operations in Sulaymaniyah. Iranian media claimed that the weapons were destined for Iran and ‘intended for use’ in the Mahsa Amini protests, which erupted after Amini’s death in police custody in September 2022.