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  "path": "/partner/iraq-green-zone-raid-lawmakers-corruption",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-28T09:25:28.000Z",
  "site": "https://nukta.com",
  "textContent": "\n\n\n\nIraqi security forces launched large-scale raids in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone early Sunday, arresting members of parliament and senior officials suspected of financial corruption.\n\nThe operation extended to other Baghdad neighborhoods and was carried out under judicial orders. Iraq's new prime minister has made anti-corruption efforts a centerpiece of his government.\n\n### Why did Iraqi forces raid the Green Zone?\n\nIraqi forces targeted politicians and officials linked to a corruption case involving oil ministry official Adnan al-Jumaili, arrested last month. A security source told AFP the raids were conducted on judicial orders, involving anti-terrorism units and the military. Arrested lawmakers had their parliamentary immunity removed before being detained.\n\n### What did the Green Zone raids involve?\n\nVideo footage shared on local Telegram channels showed heavy military vehicles, including tanks, moving through the Green Zone. AFP correspondents confirmed a heavy security presence at its entrances. The Green Zone houses the U.S. embassy, diplomatic missions, international institutions, government offices, and residences of senior officials and politicians.\n\nIraq's state news agency INA quoted a senior official saying several suspects accused of corruption were arrested based on confessions made by Jumaili. Authorities had seized more than $85 million earlier this month in the same graft case, with some cash found hidden underground. No official government statement on the raids had been released as of Sunday.\n\n### Were the raids about more than corruption?\n\nA second security official told AFP the operation also targeted \"funding factions and the smuggling of dollars and Iranian oil,\" a reference to Tehran-backed armed groups. The raids coincided with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Baghdad, adding a geopolitical dimension to an ostensibly domestic anti-graft operation.\n\n### How do the raids connect to Iraq's new prime minister?\n\nPrime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, who recently took office with U.S. backing, is scheduled to visit Washington later this month. A diplomat in Baghdad told AFP the security operation was part of the preparations for that visit, intended to demonstrate Zaidi's commitment to reform. Zaidi has also pledged to establish a state monopoly on weapons and reduce the influence of Tehran-backed armed groups, which Washington designates as terrorist organizations.\n\nThose groups struck U.S. facilities in Iraq during the recent Middle East war, including an ambush targeting U.S. diplomats in Baghdad, and hit targets in Gulf countries. Zaidi is also seeking to attract U.S. investment as Iraq works to revive an economy hit hard by oil export losses during the conflict.",
  "title": "Iraqi forces raid Baghdad's Green Zone, arrest officials in anti-corruption sweep"
}