Rapid Response Division Carries Out 124 Security Missions, Arrests 308 Suspects

Iraq’s Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday that the Rapid Response Division had carried out a series of security and specialized operations across several areas, resulting in the arrest of hundreds of suspects and the seizure of weapons, drugs and large sums of money.

Major General Miqdad Miri, head of the ministry’s Relations and Media Department, said in a statement that the operations led to the arrest of 308 suspects under various legal provisions. They included 31 suspects wanted in integrity-related cases, 55 in drug-related cases, and 16 under Article 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Law, in addition to 206 individuals wanted under different arrest warrants.

Miri said the arrests were made during 124 security and specialized missions, while the force also conducted 196 security patrols, 78 ambushes and security deployments, and established 101 checkpoints. The operations also included two search-and-clear missions, three operations to remove illegal encroachments, and the resolution of three tribal disputes.

The searches resulted in the seizure of 21 various firearms, 356 pieces of ammunition, 32 ammunition magazines and 131 rounds, as well as IQD 6.047 million and USD 1 million. Eighteen mobile phones and other items were also confiscated.

As part of the crackdown on narcotics and psychotropic substances, the forces seized 1,425 grams of crystal methamphetamine, 305 grams of hashish and 92 assorted narcotic pills, along with drug-use paraphernalia.