Baghdad: The Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 16 suspects and the seizure of unlicensed weapons east of Baghdad.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the ministry stated in a statement that the Fifth Division units of the Federal Police executed security operations that led to these arrests. The suspects were apprehended under various legal provisions, including charges related to drugs, theft, quarrels, shooting, threatening, execution, and possession of weapons. These operations took place in several areas of Baghdad, including Al-Zawraa, Ur neighborhood, Sadr City, Kamira, Al-Amari, Al-Shaab, and Al-Hussainiya. The operations also resulted in the confiscation of a Kalashnikov rifle, two ammunition magazines, a pistol, and three bullets.

The statement further detailed that the Fifth Division units conducted regional searches specifically targeting unlicensed weapons in areas such as Sadr City and Al-Tha’alaba. These searches led to the seizure of two different rifles, a pistol, and two ammunition magazines. The ministry confirmed that both the suspects and the seized items have been referred to the competent authorities in accordance with the law.