Iraqi security forces arrested 47 politicians, lawmakers and senior government officials in coordinated raids across Baghdad early Sunday as part of a sweeping anti-corruption campaign ordered by Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi.
The large-scale operation targeted residences in the heavily fortified Green Zone as well as several other neighborhoods, with elite Counter Terrorism Service units leading the overnight raids.
According to Iraq's state news agency INA, those detained included members of parliament, government officials and Ali Maarij, the deputy oil minister for distribution affairs.
Authorities said the arrests followed judicial warrants issued against individuals suspected of involvement in corruption cases, while operations remained ongoing and additional searches were expected in the coming days.
Government spokesperson Haider al-Aboudi said the arrests formed part of a broader campaign in which fighting corruption remains a central priority aimed at strengthening state institutions and protecting public funds.
The Federal Commission of Integrity said it had launched decisive measures to execute judicial arrest warrants against individuals accused of misappropriating public funds.
It said all actions were being carried out in accordance with the law and under judicial authority.
INA reported that parliamentary immunity was lifted for lawmakers before their arrests during parliament's legislative recess.
Security and legal sources said several suspects fled before security forces arrived, prompting authorities to seal entrances to Baghdad's Green Zone while expanding search operations.
Officials said parts of the investigation stem from testimony provided by Adnan al-Jumaili, a deputy oil minister previously arrested on corruption charges, whose statements allegedly implicated a wider network of officials.
The latest operation follows a series of recent corruption-related arrests that triggered additional judicial warrants executed on Sunday.
Among those detained was Ali Maarij, who was sanctioned by the United States in May over allegations involving Iraqi oil exports.
Iraq's Oil Ministry previously rejected those allegations, stating the activities described did not fall within Maarij's responsibilities.
Since taking office in May, al-Zaidi has pledged to confront longstanding corruption, describing the effort as a key element of his government's agenda.