Interior minister orders investigation into chaos at Anbar military camp

ANBAR – Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari has ordered an investigation after footage emerged Friday showing chaos inside a military camp in Karma, Anbar, with members of a Federal Police unit reportedly refusing to comply with an order to relocate to Baghdad.

Al-Shammari has vowed disciplinary action against those responsible.

The unrest arose after a Federal Police unit, previously assigned to protect former parliament speaker Mohamed Al-Halbousi, was ordered to relocate to Baghdad for special training under the Federal Police. A security source told 964media that the unit rejected the transfer order, prompting a confrontation with security forces sent from Baghdad to enforce it.

The Federal Police in Iraq is a force under the Ministry of Interior responsible for maintaining internal security, combating organized crime, and supporting counterterrorism operations. It operates across governorates, often bridging the roles of traditional police and military forces, and is tasked with handling high-risk law enforcement and special missions.

“This unit was reassigned to the Federal Police following the official’s departure from office. The current order requires their transfer from Anbar for a special missions course,” the source explained. “The refusal to comply led to a physical altercation with the enforcement team.”

Interior Minister Abdul Amir Al-Shammari condemned the actions and emphasized accountability. “I have instructed the formation of an investigative council to address the misconduct of several members of the 6th Battalion, Special Missions Brigade, Federal Police, in Karma,” the minister stated.

A statement from the Ministry of Interior outlined the minister’s stance: “The Ministry rejects any individual misconduct by its members and will not tolerate insubordination or defiance of ministry directives. The officers involved will face legal consequences and be referred to the relevant courts.”

The minister also directed the Federal Police commander to be present at the scene and oversee the investigation to uncover the incident’s details.