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Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service Arrests a Drug Dealer and Conducts Security Reconnaissance Operations in Several Areas

Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service announced the execution of a special operation in Najaf, based on precise intelligence information and judicial warrants, which resulted in the arrest of a drug dealer. The agency stated that the suspect was referred to the Directorate of Narcotics and Psychotropic Affairs in Najaf to complete the legal procedures against him. In a related context, CTS forces carried out a reconnaissance operation in Hor Al-Dalmaj as part of efforts aimed at enhancing security and stability. The Counter Terrorism Service confirmed the continuation of its security operations with high professionalism to combat terrorism and drug trafficking across various sectors.

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Nouri al-Maliki Announces Support for the Government of Ali Al-Zaidi and Calls for Unifying Political Forces to Quickly Complete the Cabinet Formation

Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi received today, Sunday, the head of the State of Law Coalition, Nouri al-Maliki, who congratulated him on the government winning the confidence of the Council of Representatives. The two sides discussed the overall situation in the country, emphasizing the importance of unifying positions and visions to support the government and implement its economic, service, and development program in a way that achieves comprehensive development. The meeting also stressed the need for political forces to combine their efforts to complete the government formation and enable it to carry out its duties, contributing to addressing current challenges and protecting Iraq’s interests.

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Communications and Media Commission discusses regulatory frameworks and digital platform operations in Iraq with TikTok

Balegh Abu Kalal discussed with officials from TikTok the regulatory framework governing the platform’s operations in Iraq, on the sidelines of the GSR26 held in Ankara. The meeting, attended by Council of Commissioners member Ahmed Al-Hassani and Assistant Head of the Executive Body Mohammed Al-Gharbawi, included discussions on the possibility of opening an official office for the company in Iraq to strengthen communication with regulatory authorities. Abu Kalal stressed the importance of digital platforms complying with Iraqi laws, particularly regarding combating violative content and illegal activities, emphasizing the need to address the exploitation of some accounts in money laundering operations. He also noted that the Commission would provide the company with monitoring reports on violations to enable appropriate action, while the Commission extended an official invitation to TikTok officials to visit Iraq and continue technical and regulatory discussions to enhance joint cooperation.

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Faleh Sari officially assumes his duties as Minister of Finance after receiving parliament’s confidence as part of the government of Ali Al-Zaidi

Faleh Sari officially began his duties at the Ministry of Finance today, Sunday, after receiving the confidence of the Council of Representatives. Last Thursday, parliament unanimously voted to grant confidence to Faleh Sari as Minister of Finance in the government of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi, as part of completing the formation of the new cabinet.

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Alya Nassif praises Al-Zaidi’s decision to regulate officials’ meetings with ambassadors and describes it as a step toward the “institutionalization of the state.”

Iraqi MP Alya Nassif praised Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi’s decision instructing ministers to engage with Arab and foreign ambassadors strictly through official channels, describing it as a step toward the “institutionalization of the state” and the regulation of diplomatic work. Nassif stressed that relations with diplomatic missions must be managed exclusively through formal and institutional frameworks, criticizing what she described as previous disorder in meetings held by some officials and political figures with ambassadors outside official protocols, which she considered one of the shortcomings in Iraqi diplomacy.

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Ali Al-Zaidi’s government launches its first comprehensive package of decisions covering the economy, electricity, digital transformation, and anti-corruption measures

During its first session, the government of Prime Minister Ali Al-Zaidi issued a package of directives and governmental measures covering the economy, energy, services, and administration, as part of setting the priorities for the next phase. The directives included formulating an integrated economic policy and establishing a Financial Stability Council, in addition to assigning the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare working papers aimed at reactivating Iraq’s relations with the Arab, regional, and international communities. The government also instructed the Ministry of Electricity to prepare urgent plans to address the current summer power crisis, as well as long-term plans to develop the electricity network. It further emphasized the activation of the Health Insurance Law, the completion of the comprehensive digital transformation project, and support for the Development Road Project to connect Iraq with global trade chains. The government stressed the importance of submitting financial disclosure statements within one week and refraining from making administrative changes at the current stage, while requiring each ministry to define its priorities within 30 days for inclusion in the government program. The directives also underscored the importance of combating corruption, simplifying procedures, automating administrative work, and adopting the one-stop-shop system to facilitate investment, alongside strengthening coordination with provincial governments, enabling Parliament to perform its supervisory and legislative role, and monitoring the implementation of stalled projects and government plans on the ground.

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Al-Halbousi and Al-Hakim affirm their support for Ali Al-Zaidi’s government and stress the importance of confronting economic challenges and strengthening regional stability

Progress Party leader Mohammed Al-Halbousi met with the head of the National Wisdom Movement, Ammar Al-Hakim, to discuss mechanisms for supporting the government of Prime Minister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi and to emphasize the importance of completing its formation as soon as possible. The two sides stressed the need to prioritize national interests in light of the challenges facing Iraq, affirming that the economic and financial files are at the top of the current phase’s priorities, which requires realistic visions and programs to address them. The meeting also discussed regional developments surrounding Iraq, with both parties emphasizing the importance of restoring calm and stability in the region and the positive impact this would have on the security and stability of countries.

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The new Minister of Industry assumes his duties and announces a plan to strengthen the industrial sector and reduce dependence on oil

Minister of Industry and Minerals Mohammed Nouri Ahmed officially assumed his duties on Saturday at the ministry’s headquarters in Baghdad, in the presence of deputy ministers, advisers, directors general, and a number of officials. During the handover ceremony, the minister affirmed his commitment to implementing the ministerial program’s vision aimed at restoring the economic role of the industrial sector and increasing its contribution to the gross domestic product, with a focus on industrial diversification, developing project infrastructure, and reducing dependence on oil. He also praised the efforts made by former minister Khaled Battal Al-Najm and the ministry’s staff in supporting national factories and strengthening the industrial sector during the previous period.

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From Nineveh to Basra, the Popular Mobilization Forces launch the largest large-scale security operation to pursue terrorist remnants and strengthen stability

The Popular Mobilization Forces Commission, in coordination with the Joint Operations Command and with support from the Air Force and Army Aviation, launched a wide-scale security operation extending from Nineveh in the north to Basra in the south, involving 15 operations commands and 16 support directorates and departments. The operation began at dawn on Saturday under the supervision of the Chief of Staff of the Popular Mobilization Forces, Abdul Aziz Al-Mohammadawi, according to security and intelligence plans aimed at pursuing terrorist remnants, destroying their hideouts, and cutting off their movement routes. The operation witnessed a large deployment of security forces and the implementation of search and clearing missions, alongside the activation of ambushes, patrols, and night surveillance to prevent any security breaches and reinforce stability across various provinces. The Popular Mobilization Forces Commission affirmed that the operations will continue until their planned objectives are achieved, as part of efforts to secure cities and eliminate sources of terrorist threats throughout the country.

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Destruction of a terrorist hideout and the killing of a dangerous individual in a precise strike in Kirkuk

With continuous intelligence and operational efforts, the Military Intelligence Directorate announced—under direct supervision and high-level technical coordination with the Targeting Cell in the Joint Operations Command—the monitoring of movements of a terrorist element described as dangerous within its area of responsibility, following two consecutive days of surveillance. According to the statement, the target was precisely identified before the Army Aviation Command carried out a successful airstrike using an armed drone of type (CH5), which hit his location in Wadi Al-Shai within the Kirkuk Operations sector. This resulted in the complete destruction of the terrorist hideout and the killing of the targeted individual. The security authorities confirmed that their forces, across all branches, will continue their intelligence and operational efforts to pursue the remaining terrorist remnants, relying on accurate information and modern technologies, stressing that they will remain “the watchful eye and the striking arm” against anyone attempting to threaten the country’s security and stability.

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Parliament Votes in Favor of Ali Al-Zaidi’s Government

The Council of Representatives held its session today, Thursday (May 14, 2026), to vote on the ministerial program and grant confidence to the government of Prime Minister-designate Ali Al-Zaidi, attended by 270 lawmakers out of 329. Below is the list of ministers who received the confidence of the Council of Representatives: * Approved by an absolute majority: Bassem Mohammed Khudair as Minister of Oil * Approved by an absolute majority: Mohammed Nouri Ahmed as Minister of Industry * Approved by an absolute majority: Ali سعد Wahib as Minister of Electricity * Approved by an absolute majority: Abdulhussein Aziz as Minister of Health * Approved by an absolute majority: Sarwa Abdul الواحد as Minister of Environment * Approved by an absolute majority: Abdulrahim Jassim as Minister of Agriculture * Approved by an absolute majority: Muthanna Ali Mahdi as Minister of Water Resources * Approved by an absolute majority: Mustafa Nizar Jumaa as Minister of Trade * Approved by an absolute majority: Khalid Shwani as Minister of Justice * Approved by an absolute majority: Abdulkarim Abtan as Minister of Education * Approved by an absolute majority: Fuad Hussein as Minister of Foreign Affairs * Approved by an absolute majority: Mustafa Jabbar Sand as Minister of Communications * Approved unanimously: Faleh Al-Sari as Minister of Finance The Council of Representatives voted to grant confidence to the government of Prime Minister Ali Faleh Al-Zaidi and its ministerial program.

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Ammar al-Hakim discussed bilateral relations with the Turkish ambassador and affirmed support for forming a government and de-escalating regional tensions

Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National State Forces Alliance, received Anıl Bora İnan at his office in Baghdad, where they discussed bilateral relations between the two countries and developments in the regional political landscape. Al-Hakim affirmed the depth of relations between Baghdad and Ankara, stressing the importance of strengthening them and investing in shared interests to reinforce cooperation between both sides. He also noted that Iraq has made progress in ending the political deadlock and moving toward the formation of a new government. He renewed his support for the path of negotiations and political solutions to end the escalation in the region, calling on regional countries to take effective steps to stop wars and promote regional stability.

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Abdul Amir Al-Shammari chairs Advisory Board meeting to discuss enhancing security and service performance and developing the Ministry’s formations

Abdul Amir Al-Shammari chaired a meeting of the Ministry’s Advisory Board today, Tuesday, attended by all its members, to discuss the items on the agenda and take appropriate decisions regarding them. The meeting reviewed the implementation of the previous meeting’s resolutions, in addition to discussing mechanisms to enhance security and service requirements and improve the performance of the Ministry of Interior’s formations in a way that contributes to raising the efficiency of security and public service operations.

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Khamis al-Khanjar and the Turkish ambassador discussed developments in the political scene, support for the upcoming government, and ways to strengthen relations between Baghdad and Ankara

Khamis al-Khanjar, head of the Sovereignty Alliance, received Anıl Bora İnan in Baghdad to discuss political and economic developments in the country. The meeting included discussions on ways to enhance economic and trade cooperation between Iraq and Türkiye, in addition to addressing the repercussions of the war in the region and its impact on both the regional and domestic situations. At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of supporting the upcoming government in a way that contributes to strengthening stability, while emphasizing the need to reinforce Iraqi-Turkish relations in support of shared interests.

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Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah arrives in Al-Nukhaib to follow up on security preparations and inspect military units.

Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah arrived today, Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in the town of Al-Nukhaib accompanied by a high-level military delegation, to conduct a field inspection of the military units and monitor security preparations within the area of responsibility. The visit comes as part of ongoing efforts to follow up on security developments and enhance the readiness of the forces deployed in the region.

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Qasim al-Araji: Iraq rejects the use of its territory for any hostile acts against neighboring countries and affirms its commitment to regional security

Qasim al-Araji affirmed, during the meeting of the Iraqi-Iranian Supreme Security Committee, Iraq’s firm position rejecting the use of its territory as a launching point for any hostile acts or security or military operations targeting neighboring countries. Al-Araji stressed Iraq’s full commitment to preventing any party or group from exploiting Iraqi territory to undermine the security and stability of neighboring states, based on the principles of good neighborly relations and respect for state sovereignty, in a way that promotes shared regional security and stability.

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Haybat Al-Halbousi and the President discuss government formation and affirm the approaching parliamentary session to vote on the ministerial cabinet

Haybat Al-Halbousi, Speaker of Parliament, received Nizar Amidi today, Monday, to discuss developments in the political scene and the process of forming the new government. Both sides emphasized the importance of coordination among political forces to accelerate the completion of the constitutional process within the specified timelines, ensuring the formation of a government capable of addressing the current challenges. The Speaker of Parliament also stressed the parliament’s readiness to hold the anticipated session to vote on the ministerial program and the new cabinet formation as soon as the necessary procedures are completed.

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Mustafa Al-Kadhimi warns of a “serious breach” affecting Iraq’s sovereignty following reports about a secret military base in Najaf

Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, the former Prime Minister, warned about the seriousness of circulating reports regarding the establishment of a secret military base in the desert of Najaf, stating that if true, they would represent “a dangerous breach” affecting Iraq’s sovereignty and exposing failures in control and oversight. Al-Kadhimi stressed that protecting Iraq cannot be achieved through slogans or “propaganda victories,” but rather through building a state that possesses its own independent decision-making power and enforces the rule of law across all its territory. He also warned against turning the country into an arena for regional and international conflicts. He further emphasized the need to be transparent with the Iraqi people and clearly define responsibilities, away from denial or evasion, noting that Iraqis have paid a heavy price due to the lack of transparency in managing critical national issues.