Baghdad police arrest two men accused of firing handgun from motorcycle

BAGHDAD — Karkh Police said they arrested two men accused of firing a handgun from a motorcycle in Baghdad after a video circulated on social media.

In a statement, police said the arrests followed directives from the Karkh police commander. Officers seized the firearm allegedly used in the incident, the statement said.

Authorities confirmed legal procedures are underway.

Celebratory gunfire remains a common and dangerous practice in Iraq, often seen at weddings, religious events, and sporting celebrations. It has caused numerous injuries and deaths from stray bullets. In July, police in Kirkuk arrested three people after a video showed celebratory gunfire during a wedding convoy.

Decades of conflict have left Iraq awash in unlicensed weapons, fueling public calls for stronger enforcement. Last year, the Interior Ministry launched a firearm buyback program to reduce the number of illegal guns in circulation.