Baghdad: The Baghdad Operations Command announced the closure of two unlicensed factories and the arrest of several violators, including owners of makeshift metal smelting furnaces.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Command stated in a press release: ‘As a continuation of the proactive measures undertaken by security formations during the holy month of Ramadan, with high-level intelligence support to pursue outlaws, organized crime gangs, and criminal elements, and to review and monitor the files of foreign workers, two unlicensed workshops operating without proper permits were shut down, and a number of violators were arrested, including seven owners of makeshift metal smelting furnaces and foreigners violating the terms and regulations of the Residency and Nationality Department, during the past 24 hours in the areas of Al-Baladiyat, Al-Madain, Al-Ubaidi Presidency, and Al-Shuhada/Abu Ghraib on both the Karkh and Rusafa sides of Baghdad.’

It added: “The accused were handed over to the competent authorities to complete the legal procedures against them.”