Baghdad: Lieutenant General Zaid Hawshi al-Moussawi has officially taken over as the head of the Counter-Terrorism Service, following the directive of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Prime Minister, Ali Faleh al-Zaidi.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Counter-Terrorism Service released a statement that outlined al-Moussawi’s initial actions in his new role. He conducted a meeting with commanders and officers to delineate the priorities for the upcoming phase. A key focus of the meeting was the importance of maintaining readiness and discipline while enhancing institutional work. Al-Moussawi highlighted that performance and integrity should remain the benchmarks for the Service. He also pointed out the necessity of identifying both strengths and weaknesses to effectively combat terrorist groups, aligning with the directives of the Commander-in-Chief.

The new head emphasized that the well-being of the fighters is a fundamental priority. He believes that the fighter is integral to achieving security objectives. Al-Moussawi stressed the importance of creating a conducive environment for the fighters, which would enable them to fulfill their duties comprehensively. He also underlined the need to elevate administrative, moral, and social support to boost their readiness and efficiency.

Additionally, al-Moussawi indicated that caring for wounded members and the families of fallen martyrs is a key responsibility of the agency. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to monitoring their conditions and providing necessary support. This commitment is in acknowledgment of their sacrifices that have significantly contributed to Iraq’s security and stability, ensuring their rights and dignity are upheld.