Iraq deploys special teams for Eid to tackle harassment, celebratory gunfire

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Interior Ministry said Tuesday it would deploy special teams during Eid al-Adha to address harassment, prevent celebratory gunfire and enforce security measures across cities and public gathering areas.

Maj. Gen. Miqdad Miri, head of the ministry’s Relations and Media Department, said the Eid security plan would include “wide deployment of emergency patrols and intelligence efforts” near religious shrines, Hussainiyas, mosques and cemeteries. “We formed special teams to follow up on negative cases, including harassment cases, in addition to preventing gunfire and firecrackers and pursuing violators,” he said. Authorities will also use radar systems to monitor speeding on highways.

Celebratory gunfire remains a recurring public safety issue in Iraq during religious holidays, weddings and sporting events, with stray bullets causing injuries and deaths each year. Earlier this year, the Health Ministry reported hundreds of injuries linked to fireworks and gunfire during New Year’s celebrations.

Baghdad Operations Command said the security plan would be implemented in phases across Defense and Interior Ministry units and intelligence agencies, with search and inspection operations continuing to pursue “outlaws and organized criminal gangs.” Motorcycle traffic and horse-drawn carts will be restricted in crowded areas and public markets. Rescue patrols, firefighting teams and ambulances will be deployed near public and recreational sites, and surveillance cameras will monitor vital locations around the clock.

The command instructed security forces not to close main or secondary roads unless absolutely necessary and with prior approval, and stressed facilitating the work of journalists covering Eid events.