Interior Ministry launches renewed crackdown on fireworks ahead of new year celebrations

BAGHDAD — The Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday that it is implementing precautionary measures to monitor the import and sale of fireworks, as part of a broader security plan to prevent their use during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Ministry spokesperson Abbas Al-Bahadli told the Iraqi News Agency that the use of fireworks is considered “uncivilized within urban areas, especially during events, weddings, and holidays, due to the injuries and damage they cause among citizens.”

Al-Bahadli said that the ministry, through its specialized departments, particularly the Intelligence and Investigations Agency and the Directorate for Combating Organized Crime, is actively tracking importers and vendors, taking legal action against violations.

He noted that in 2025, authorities identified and processed 218 violators across Baghdad and other governorates. Legal measures were taken against all of them.

The Interior Ministry has instructed its relevant directorates to coordinate with police leaderships in implementing a security plan aimed at preventing the use of fireworks during the upcoming holiday period.

On January 1, 2025, Iraq’s Ministry of Health reported that 564 injuries occurred during New Year’s celebrations across the country. Of these, 143 were caused by fireworks, 40 by stray gunfire, while the remaining cases stemmed from traffic accidents and other incidents. No fatalities were recorded, but several injuries are considered critical.

The Ministry of interior also unveiled similar security plan for new year celebrations last year, demanding residents to avoid “excessive use of fireworks.”