The Defense Ministry said it had launched a wide security campaign in Maysan to pursue wanted individuals, in line with orders from the commander in chief of the armed forces and the army chief of staff to enforce the law and strengthen security.
In a statement cited by the Iraqi News Agency, the ministry said units from Maysan Operations Command, including the 22nd Commando Division and attached formations, carried out the operation in coordination with security agencies. The campaign included surprise checkpoints and mobile inspection posts across the area of responsibility.
Electronic Database Used in Searches
The ministry said the forces used electronic databases and wanted-person records to search people and vehicles, track down wanted suspects, drug traffickers, and lawbreakers, and seize unregistered vehicles and motorcycles.
It said the operation is part of the national responsibility carried by the Iraqi army as a shield to protect citizens, maintain stability, eliminate crime sources, and strengthen community security in the province.
Intelligence Service Dismantles Foreign Ring in Baghdad
Precise Intelligence Operation
In Baghdad, the National Intelligence Service announced, in cooperation with the Interior Ministry, that it had dismantled a foreign criminal network involved in kidnapping and extortion. The operation, the service said, was based on accurate intelligence and field surveillance carried out with the Human Trafficking Directorate at the Interior Ministry.
The statement said the network consisted of 10 foreign nationals who were staying illegally in Baghdad. They allegedly lured foreign nationals to Iraq with fake promises of job opportunities, then detained and tortured them, recorded the abuse, and sent the footage to their families while demanding a large ransom for their release.
Security Coordination Against Organized Crime
The service said the operation is part of ongoing cooperation among Iraqi security agencies to fight organized crime, especially networks that exploit victims’ humanitarian or economic vulnerabilities for kidnapping and extortion. The announcement also reflects the close coordination between intelligence and interior forces in confronting this type of crime.
Enforcing the Law and Improving Security
Pursuing Wanted Men and Cutting Crime Networks
The operations in Maysan and Baghdad show that security remains a top state priority in Iraq, whether in pursuing wanted suspects or in confronting organized crime and extortion networks. Officials say such campaigns are intended to enforce the law and expand security control in areas where suspicious activity or criminal behavior is reported.
Reassurance for the Public
The operations also send a clear message to the public that security agencies are continuing to work on several fronts, from countering wanted individuals and drug traffickers to dismantling kidnapping and extortion rings. They also reflect continued efforts to strengthen stability and protect society from some of the most serious forms of crime.
Conclusion:
The security campaign in Maysan, together with the intelligence operation in Baghdad, shows a broad security push in Iraq to pursue wanted suspects and organized criminal networks. While the Defense Ministry says the army is continuing to enforce the law and cut off crime sources, the National Intelligence Service is working with the Interior Ministry to stop kidnapping and extortion, as part of wider efforts to strengthen security and stability.
