Clash over drug trafficking leaves three injured in Kirkuk

KIRKUK — A clash between Iraq’s National Security forces and suspected drug traffickers erupted Wednesday evening in Kirkuk’s Shoraw neighborhood near the Grand Mosque. The confrontation left three people injured, including a security officer.

A source from Rahimawa Police Station told 964media that the incident occurred during a security operation targeting a vehicle suspected of drug trafficking. “Two drug traffickers were apprehended with injuries, and a National Security member was also wounded,” the source said.

The confrontation highlights Iraq’s escalating drug crisis, which has prompted intensified government crackdowns. By November 2024, nearly 8,000 people had been arrested on drug-related charges since the start of the year, with authorities confiscating approximately 2.2 tons of narcotics. The Ministry of Interior reported 140 death sentences and 500 life sentences issued for drug-related crimes by August.

Regional cooperation efforts have also ramped up. In late July, the Second Baghdad International Conference on Combating Drugs brought together officials from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Egypt to discuss strategies for tackling drug trafficking.

Iraq has seen a surge in drug-related offenses in recent years. In 2023 alone, more than 19,000 suspects were arrested, over 15 tons of psychotropic substances were seized, and at least 17 suspects were killed in clashes with security forces, according to the Ministry of Interior.