PM Zaidi replaces heads of counter-terrorism service and federal police

BAGHDAD — Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has appointed new commanders to two of Iraq’s most prominent security institutions, naming Lt. Gen. Zaid Houshi Khalaf al-Moussawi to head the Counter-Terrorism Service and Lt. Gen. Mohammed Qasim al-Fahd to command the Federal Police.

The appointments, announced Tuesday, are part of a broader reshuffle of senior military and security leadership under Zaidi, who is also commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Saad Maan, head of the Security Media Cell, confirmed the changes in a Facebook post congratulating both officers.

The Counter-Terrorism Service is among Iraq’s most sensitive security bodies and has been central to Zaidi’s security campaign, including Operation Dawn Strike and the arrest of suspects in corruption cases.

The appointments follow a series of leadership changes since Zaidi took office. In recent weeks he has replaced National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji, National Intelligence Service chief Hamid al-Shatri, National Security Service chief Abdul Karim al-Basri, Central Bank Governor Ali al-Allaq and National Investment Commission Chairman Haider Mohammed Makkiya.

His government has also ordered sweeping personnel changes at Iraq’s border crossings, rotating all crossing staff, reassigning Interior Ministry personnel and replacing brigade and unit commanders in the Border Forces Command.