Authorities shut down 10 illegal metal and asphalt smelting plants in eastern Baghdad

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces announced on Wednesday the closure of 10 unlicensed metal and asphalt smelting plants operating in violation of environmental and health regulations in the Ras Al-Abidi and Jurf Al-Naddaf areas of eastern Baghdad.

In a statement, Baghdad Operations Command emphasized that the closures were carried out following directives from the prime minister. The operation, part of an ongoing campaign to combat environmental pollution caused by toxic emissions and harmful odors from industrial production, was executed by Committee Order No. 241285 in collaboration with federal police units, the Ministry of Environment, the Civil Defense Directorate, and municipal departments.

“The joint committee successfully shut down seven illegal metal smelting plants, where approximately 1,000 brass ingots, each weighing 20 kilograms, were confiscated, along with three asphalt plants operating without proper licensing and failing to meet health, safety, and environmental standards,” the statement said.

On Dec. 23, Baghdad Operations Command closed four more asphalt plants in Jurf Al-Naddaf for violating health, environmental, and safety regulations.

Earlier this month, the Baghdad Committee for Reducing Environmental Pollution issued mandatory directives calling for the immediate shutdown of unlicensed metal smelting plants, brick and asphalt factories, and illegal landfill sites. The committee also stated that legal action would be taken against owners who breach environmental regulations.

In recent months, air pollution in Baghdad has worsened, with a strong sulfuric odor raising health concerns among residents. The southern district of Dora has been especially impacted, causing breathing difficulties and resulting in nearly 200 hospitalizations.

On October 16, 2024, Baghdad Operations Command announced the closure of 30 illegal metal smelting sites in the eastern districts of the capital, citing serious health risks and environmental hazards caused by their operations. This latest action brings the total number of smelting sites shut down to 106 since the end of October.