Al-shatra: The Ministry of Interior announced on Saturday that the Director of Anti-Narcotics for North Dhi Qar was wounded during clashes with suspects in Al-Shatra District. The Ministry confirmed the arrest of the two suspects and the seizure of one kilogram of crystal meth in their possession.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, in a statement, the Ministry said, “In a decisive security operation, units from the Dhi Qar Anti-Narcotics Directorate succeeded in arresting two suspects and seizing one kilogram of crystal meth in Al-Shatra District.”

It added, “During the arrest operation, the two suspects-in a desperate attempt to deter the officers-opened fire on the arresting force. This necessitated a response and an exchange of gunfire in accordance with rules of engagement. The incident resulted in the wounding of a colonel-the Director of the North Dhi Qar Anti-Narcotics Department-who was struck by two bullets, one in the abdomen and the other in the leg. He was subsequently transported to the hospital, where he underwent successful surgery and is now in stable condition.

The two suspects sustained various injuries; a Kalashnikov rifle, ammunition stores, and five hand grenades were seized from them.”

According to the statement, the General Directorate affirmed that “these cowardly attempts will not shake the resolve of the narcotics enforcement heroes-who sacrifice their blood for the nation and society while pursuing the traffickers and peddlers of these poisons-and that the hand of the law will reach anyone who threatens societal security or jeopardizes the lives of its citizens; legal proceedings have been duly initiated against the accused.”