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Iraq-Syria operation targets major captagon network in Damascus
Iraq-Syria operation targets major captagon network in Damascus

Shafaq News

time10 hours ago

  • Politics
  • Shafaq News

Iraq-Syria operation targets major captagon network in Damascus

Shafaq News – Basra Iraq's Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari announced on Wednesday the dismantling of a major international drug trafficking network operating inside Syria. Speaking at a press conference in Basra, al-Shammari said the operation was coordinated with Syrian authorities and led to the seizure of over 1.35 million Captagon pills and the arrest of members of a trafficking cell active in Syrian territory. 'The suspects were apprehended inside Syria, and the drugs were confiscated during the mission.' 'This operation is a model of regional cooperation,' the ministry said in its statement, 'and represents a decisive step in protecting Iraq and neighboring countries from the dangers of transnational drug networks.' Iraq shares a 600-kilometer border with Syria, where, according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), over 80 percent of the world's Captagon supply is produced. UNODC figures show Iraq seized more than 24 million Captagon tablets in 2023 alone—an increase of 3,300% since 2019. The pills, which contain amphetamine-based stimulants, are often trafficked from southern Syria through western Iraqi provinces such as Al-Anbar and Nineveh, before being smuggled toward Gulf markets.

US Embassy warning sparks fears of major security shift in Iraq
US Embassy warning sparks fears of major security shift in Iraq

Shafaq News

time20-06-2025

  • Business
  • Shafaq News

US Embassy warning sparks fears of major security shift in Iraq

Shafaq News/ A senior Iraqi lawmaker warned on Friday that a potential closure of the US Embassy in Baghdad could be a 'precursor to an unprecedented security event' in Iraq or the wider region. Mohammed al-Shammari, a member of the Iraqi Parliament's Security and Defense Committee, told Shafaq News that 'the possible shutdown of the American Embassy is a serious indicator that the United States and Israel may be preparing for a dangerous operation, warranting the evacuation of diplomatic personnel.' 'This is an early warning signal that demands urgent political and security preparedness inside Iraq,' al-Shammari added. He pointed to Iraq's limited sovereignty, particularly in defense and financial matters, blaming US control over Iraqi oil revenues for hampering military development. 'If Iraq held its financial sovereignty, weapons, salaries, and pensions would be fully national,' he said, noting that the US Federal Reserve can block arms deals that don't align with Washington's preferences. Al-Shammari stressed that sovereignty is not merely territorial, but also financial, warning that the Iraqi military's weaknesses are rooted in dependence on foreign-controlled funds. Regarding the future of US forces in Iraq, he confirmed there is a binding agreement for full withdrawal by 2026, with a mutually agreed timeline currently in place. Earlier on Friday, the US Embassy in Baghdad issued a statement denying any operational changes at its Baghdad embassy or the consulate in Erbil. 'The United States remains firmly committed to advancing its policy priorities in Iraq, supporting Iraqi sovereignty, and engaging with Iraqi leaders and citizens,' the statement said. However, the embassy had issued a security alert last week warning American citizens of increased risks of violence or attacks on US interests. It advised Americans in Iraq to avoid crowded areas and locations frequented by foreigners. The State Department continues to classify Iraq as a Level 4 'Do Not Travel' destination. Last Sunday, Iraq's Kataib Hezbollah threatened to strike US bases and interests in the region if Washington intervenes militarily in the ongoing war between Iran and Israel.

Interior Minister Highlights Comprehensive Security Plan for Arab Summit
Interior Minister Highlights Comprehensive Security Plan for Arab Summit

Iraqi News

time01-05-2025

  • Politics
  • Iraqi News

Interior Minister Highlights Comprehensive Security Plan for Arab Summit

Iraqi Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari confirmed that a comprehensive security plan has been developed to ensure the safety and success of the upcoming Arab Summit. According to a statement from the minister's media office, al-Shammari met with a delegation from the Arab League Secretary-General on Thursday morning. The delegation arrived in Baghdad to assess the ongoing preparations for securing the summit, which is scheduled for May 17. During the meeting, al-Shammari welcomed the guests to Iraq and discussed the latest developments regarding the work of the Higher Security Committee assigned to secure the event. The minister emphasized that a thorough security plan has been put in place to address all aspects related to the safety of the Arab Summit. He reaffirmed that ensuring the security of the summit was Iraq's responsibility, adding, "All security measures and surveillance protocols are complete, and we are fully prepared to host the summit in Baghdad as scheduled." He further noted that the country's security situation is stable, with all routes secured and a calm environment in place, stating, "Security is the foundation for the progress of any nation." In response, the visiting delegation expressed admiration for Iraq's significant improvements in security, acknowledging the sacrifices of the country's martyrs and wounded heroes. They praised Iraq's security stability and noted that it plays a crucial role in the success of the summit. The delegation also reiterated that Iraq, as a founding member of the Arab League, has strong support from the League's Secretary-General for hosting the summit in a secure and stable environment.

Iraq end drug smuggling through Shatt al-Arab waterway
Iraq end drug smuggling through Shatt al-Arab waterway

Shafaq News

time17-04-2025

  • Politics
  • Shafaq News

Iraq end drug smuggling through Shatt al-Arab waterway

Shafaq News/ Iraq's Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari revealed on Thursday that authorities had ended drug smuggling through the Shatt al-Arab waterway in Basra. During his visit to Basra, leading a senior security delegation, al-Shammari told reporters that drug trafficking in the province is under control, citing efforts to intercept smuggling routes, dismantle local and international networks, and manage supply and demand. He also said that individuals undergoing compulsory rehabilitation were being treated as victims. The minister pointed out that smuggling through Shatt al-Arab was 'fully controlled' following the construction of an earthen barrier equipped with border posts and high-resolution surveillance cameras. The Shatt al-Arab, a strategic waterway formed by the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, serves as a natural border between Iraq and Iran. The area has been a known smuggling corridor for years due to its complex terrain and limited surveillance. Drug trafficking, particularly of methamphetamine and Captagon pills, has surged across the Iraqi borders, mainly with Syria and Iran, in recent years, prompting increased security operations. According to the Iraqi Interior Ministry, thousands of drug-related arrests have been made since 2022, and several trafficking networks have been dismantled in all Iraqi provinces.

Iraq sees 43% drop in organized crime
Iraq sees 43% drop in organized crime

Shafaq News

time30-01-2025

  • Politics
  • Shafaq News

Iraq sees 43% drop in organized crime

Shafaq News/ On Thursday, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced a 50% decrease in organized crime rates nationwide, highlighting ongoing efforts by security forces to combat crime and enhance security across provinces. During a joint press conference in Diyala province with the Provincial Council and local government heads, Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari reported a 43% decline in organized crime rates across Iraq, adding, 'Efforts to combat corruption within the ministry focus on bribery and abuse of power.' 'In 2024, over 13,000 personnel and officers were referred for investigation, with more than 4,000 dismissed from service, along with several retirements,' he explained. Regarding drugs, he confirmed that the 'security forces' war' against drug trafficking and use has led to a decrease in supply, an increase in prices, and a reduction in demand, particularly in Diyala. Recent efforts have reportedly led to the dismantling of international drug trafficking networks and the seizure of large quantities of narcotics in the province. 'Efforts to apprehend those involved in these criminal activities will continue,' he clarified. On the execution of arrest warrants, al-Shammari emphasized that the ministry faces no pressure in pursuing lawbreakers. 'All warrants are executed promptly, and all procedures follow legal frameworks to ensure state authority and protect citizens' security.' The minister also affirmed that committees will be formed next week to address the displacement issue in Diyala and facilitate the return of the remaining displaced families to their affected villages.

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