Baghdad authorities shut down five factories over environmental violations

BAGHDAD — Baghdad Operations Command said Monday that authorities had shut down five factories operating in violation of environmental regulations and removed several metal smelting sites in eastern Baghdad.

The command said an official committee continued inspections targeting unlicensed factories, workshops and metal smelting operations as part of efforts to reduce pollution caused by industrial emissions and odors.

According to a statement, the committee, working alongside teams from the Environment Ministry, the National Security Service and Rusafa Environmental Police, closed five factories that were operating without the required approvals and in breach of environmental standards.

Authorities also removed a number of metal smelting sites in the Sabaa Qusour area of eastern Baghdad, the statement said.

The command said the sites were removed because of their impact on the health and safety of residents.

Baghdad has long struggled with pollution driven by industrial emissions, vehicle exhaust, diesel generators and unregulated waste burning. In late-May, Baghdad Operations Command announced the arrest of several violators accused of burning landfill waste in the Karkh and Rusafa areas of the capital. Earlier that month, the Command announced the closure of four plastic recycling facilities in the Zawra district of eastern Baghdad for violating environmental regulations.

In December 2025, authorities shut down 326 facilities including 208 metal smelting kilns and 118 asphalt and brick factories for violating environmental and health regulations.