Iraqi Security Forces Arrest Politicians in Green Zone on Corruption Charges

An Iraqi security source reported on Sunday that security forces are conducting a campaign within the Green Zone to arrest multiple politicians accused of corruption cases.

The source told Al-Sharq that among those detained are the head of the "Azm" coalition, Muthanna Al-Samarrai, as well as MPs Mohammed Al-Karbouli and Ziyad Al-Janabi.

According to the source, the arrests of the deputies followed judicial decisions to lift their parliamentary immunity.

The arrest operations, carried out by the Counter-Terrorism Service, are ongoing amid a security deployment that includes tanks inside the Green Zone.

Rocket Attacks Near Green Zone Raise Security Concerns

On Thursday, the Iraqi police stated that four rockets were fired from east of Baghdad, landing near the Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign missions, amid escalating political unrest in the country.

The police added that there have been no reports of injuries so far, and no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

A similar assault occurred on Wednesday, injuring seven Iraqi security personnel in the Green Zone due to shelling with Katyusha rockets. This attack coincided with clashes between security forces and protesters around the Green Zone during a parliamentary session to renew confidence in the Speaker of Parliament, Mohammed Al-Halbousi, and reject his resignation.

Government Response to Rocket Attacks

Following the attack, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi instructed security forces on Wednesday to pursue and arrest those responsible for the rocket attack on the Green Zone in central Baghdad, reiterating a call for dialogue.

In a statement, Al-Kadhimi emphasized the necessity for security forces to fulfill their duties in protecting state institutions, public and private property, and peaceful demonstrators. He urged protesters to adhere to peaceful conduct and follow security directives regarding protest locations.

He described the current security situation as a reflection of the political climate and renewed his call for dialogue among all political forces involved in governance to resolve the ongoing crisis and support state institutions in performing their functions, thereby sparing citizens from the consequences of political conflicts.

Context of Political and Security Instability

The Green Zone has experienced repeated attacks over recent years, typically targeting Western interests and carried out by Iran-backed factions.

In recent months, such attacks have become rare; however, the rocket attack on Wednesday coincided with a parliamentary vote rejecting the resignation of Speaker Mohammed Al-Halbousi.

Iraq has been undergoing a broad political crisis since the legislative elections in October 2021, with major political blocs unable to agree on a prime ministerial candidate or the appointment method.

The parliament held its last session on July 23. A few days later, protesters, mostly supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, stormed the parliament building.

Tensions peaked in late August when clashes erupted between Al-Sadr’s supporters and members of the army and the Popular Mobilization Forces, a coalition of Iran-aligned factions integrated into state institutions and politically opposed to Al-Sadr’s movement. These confrontations resulted in the deaths of more than 30 supporters of Al-Sadr’s movement.