Iraq dismisses security officials after rockets hit Baghdad airport from their sector

BAGHDAD — Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari ordered the dismissal and detention of several security officials Monday following a security breach in Baghdad’s al-Mada’in area, from which rockets were launched toward Baghdad International Airport late Sunday.

Al-Shammari ordered the immediate removal of the al-Mada’in police chief, the head of intelligence in the area and the commander of the second battalion of the fourth brigade of the Federal Police, placing all three in detention pending investigation for “failure to perform the security duties assigned to them.” He also ordered the formation of an investigative committee to examine the circumstances of the attack and identify security gaps.

“The security institution will not tolerate any negligence or laxity in protecting vital targets and enforcing the law,” the ministry said.

The rockets struck Shaheed Alaa Air Base, the military section of the airport, damaging an Iraqi Air Force An-32B transport aircraft parked on the runway. Launch platforms for 122mm Grad rockets were later found in the Diyala Bridge area, southeast of Baghdad.

The dismissals follow a pattern of accountability measures after attacks on the airport complex. Five rockets struck the airport on March 16, wounding five people, prompting Prime Minister Sudani to order the replacement of sector commanders — a measure that evidently did not prevent Sunday’s strike from the same general area.