FILES: Iraqi police officers stand guard during a patrol in Diyala Governorate.
Diyala police intercept tanker carrying 42 people in suspected smuggling operation
DIYALA — Police in Diyala on Monday intercepted a tanker truck carrying 42 people who had been hidden inside the vehicle, authorities said.
The Diyala Police Command said Hibhib Police Station, in coordination with the National Security Directorate and the Residency Department, stopped the tanker in Hibhib subdistrict within Khalis district based on intelligence information.
Authorities said the individuals, identified as Pakistani nationals, were detained. Police described the incident as an organized smuggling attempt.
Diyala Police Command said security forces “will continue to pursue smuggling networks and human traffickers.”
Iraq’s Interior Ministry said it detained 3,911 foreign workers for residency violations during January. The Labour Ministry said it deported more than 20,000 foreign workers in 2024 and more than 14,000 in 2025, all without work permits.