Baghdad police shut down buildings over ‘safety violations’ following Kut fire

BAGHDAD — Baghdad Police carried out a field campaign targeting buildings in violation of public safety regulations, resulting in the closure of several properties, according to a statement.

The operation was supported by security forces and Civil Defense teams. The statement said it aimed to enforce compliance with safety standards and prevent risks posed by non-compliant structures.

“The campaign is part of ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and eliminate potential threats to citizens’ lives,” the statement said.

Authorities urged property owners and project managers to follow safety regulations, warning that field campaigns will continue until all violations are addressed.

The move follows a massive fire at a Kut supermarket in Wasit governorate that killed at least 61 people and prompted a broader crackdown on public safety enforcement.

On July 18, Iraq’s Interior Ministry reported that 610 commercial and industrial facilities across the country had been temporarily closed for violating civil defense regulations.

Later in July, authorities in Baghdad’s Rusafa area shuttered around 700 commercial projects in Shorja and surrounding areas for failing to meet civil defense safety standards.