BAGHDAD: Iraqi authorities arrested 47 officials, including members of parliament, on Sunday as part of an anti-corruption campaign in the corruption-plagued country. Iraq's new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi has made two main vows: to fight corruption and to ensure a state monopoly on weapons. His anti-graft raids come before an expected visit next month to Washington, where he hopes to attract US investment and is expected to renew his promise to ensure pro-Iran armed groups hand over their weapons.
Iraq's news agency INA quoted senior officials as saying that 47 suspects were "arrested on corruption charges," including members of parliament and other officials, with at least one from the oil ministry. The round-up began early on Sunday when Iraqi security forces, primarily from anti-terrorism units, raided Baghdad's fortified Green Zone and another neighbourhood in the capital.
The Green Zone houses the US embassy and other diplomatic missions, as well as international institutions and government offices. High-ranking officials and politicians also live there. Video footage shared on local Telegram channels showed security forces in heavy armoured vehicles in the Green Zone, including a clip of them inside a compound and, in one instance, inside a house.
A diplomat in Baghdad said that Zaidi's anti-corruption operation "is part of the Washington visit preparations" and designed to show his commitment to his promise. The raids also coincided with a visit to Baghdad by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who promised to expand Tehran's cooperation with the new Iraqi government in all sectors, "as we did with previous governments." — AFP
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