Basra: Four members of a joint security force were injured on Wednesday after coming under fire while executing an arrest warrant for a suspect accused of extortion and blackmail against a business owner in the Khor Al-Zubair area, west of Basra.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the Basra Governorate Police Command stated in a press release: “A joint security force from the Basra Criminal Investigation Department, in conjunction with a SWAT team, was raiding a farm in Khor Al-Zubair when they came under fire from the suspect’s relatives, who were attempting to obstruct the arrest. This resulted in injuries of varying severity to four officers.” The statement added, “The force responded firmly to the situation and returned fire according to legal procedures, and managed to arrest seven of the shooters.”

The statement indicated that three of the injured security members received treatment and were discharged from the hospital after their conditions stabilized, while the fourth member is receiving the necessary medical care and is in stable condition.

The Command explained in its statement: “The heroic actions of the anti-crime and SWAT officers reflect the highest levels of discipline and professional courage,” emphasizing that such incidents demonstrate the police force’s commitment to protecting the security and safety of citizens.