Baghdad: The Iraqi National Security Service (INSS) announced today that it has thwarted attempts aimed at inciting public opinion and destabilizing security, allegedly led by remnants of the former regime.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the INSS said that “certain elements resorted to spreading fabricated messages glorifying the banned Ba’ath regime, using it as a cover to promote inciting rhetoric against the state.” The statement added that efforts were also made to promote a so-called “Brigade 66,” operated from abroad to disseminate the defunct regime’s ideology through cyberspace.

The statement further noted that, under direct orders from the head of the INSS, specialized security units carried out targeted operations that resulted in the arrest of 40 individuals accused of managing and financing sectarian content, and plotting sabotage acts. Some of the detainees reportedly confessed to receiving support and directives from individuals based outside the country.

The Iraqi National Security Service affirmed that such misguided attempts will not succeed in undermining Iraq’s stability or reviving authoritarian ideologies. Legal procedures have been taken against the suspects in accordance with established judicial protocols.