Security operation targets 14 areas in Baghdad for arrests, weapon seizures

BAGHDAD — Baghdad Operations Command on Wednesday launched a new security campaign across 14 areas in the capital, involving raids, searches, and the pursuit of wanted individuals.

In a statement, the command said the operation aims “to safeguard residents and implement area-specific security measures.”

Security forces began surrounding and searching the areas of Abu Disheer, Hayy al-Batool, Shuhada al-Obeidi, Al-Ameen, Jurf al-Naddaf, Al-Habibiya, Al-Shoala, Al-Muwasalat, Hayy al-Turath, Hayy al-Furat, Al-Maqitimat, Shakha 1/Mahmoudiya, Amsha_Bustan Husseiba/Al-Tarmiyah, located on both sides of Karkh and Rusafa in Baghdad.

The campaign is being conducted by the Infantry Divisions, alongside the Federal Police, with support from Baghdad Karkh and Rusafa police commands and affiliated intelligence agencies.

Operations focus on executing judicial arrest warrants and raiding locations believed to store unlicensed weapons.

On September 9, Iraq’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of 166 people and the seizure of 126 weapons in a security operation in Al-Saada and Al-Rashad areas of Baghdad’s Al-Zawra district.

In a statement, the ministry said those detained included five suspects wanted for murder, one woman wanted under the law banning the Baath Party, 33 facing other legal charges, and 96 accused of possessing unlicensed weapons. Two people were arrested for drug possession, 28 foreign nationals for residency violations, and one individual for motorcycle theft.

Additionally, a  joint security force conducted a large-scale search operation Monday in the Husseiniya area of northern Baghdad to confiscate unlicensed weapons.

Years of conflict in Iraq have left firearms widely available, with many owned without licenses. Authorities have faced repeated calls for tighter gun control and launched a nationwide buyback program last year.