Security Officer Killed, Seven Injured in Booby-Trapped Weapons Raid in Basra

BASRA — Iraq’s National Security Service announced the death of Ali Zghair, a photographer with the tactical unit in Basra, during a security operation on Tuesday that left seven other officers injured. The raid targeted a suspected weapons storage site linked to an ongoing investigation.

The operation followed a confession obtained during the interrogation of a detained arms dealer, who revealed the location of a storage facility containing over 90 hand grenades. When the tactical team raided the site, the facility was found to be rigged with explosives that detonated upon entry.

“A knight from the ranks of the National Security Service has fallen,” the agency said in a statement. “Photographer Ali Zghair, affiliated with the tactical unit in Basra, was martyred during the performance of his national duty.”

The agency extended condolences to Zghair’s family and confirmed that the pursuit of arms traffickers and criminal networks will continue. “The blood of our martyrs will remain a guiding light on the path of duty,” the statement read. “The mission to confront crime and pursue weapons dealers and terrorists will continue with unshaken resolve until Iraq enjoys full security and stability.”