Baghdad: Iraq’s Ministry of Interior announced the martyrdom of a SWAT officer and the injury of several others during a security operation targeting drug traffickers in the Al-Tun Kubri area of Kirkuk province.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, a joint force from the Ministry of Interior, supported by the area-holding force, carried out lawful arrest warrants against suspects wanted in drug-related cases. The force came under fire upon arrival, leading to an armed clash that resulted in the martyrdom of one officer and injuries to others, whose conditions were reported as stable.

The statement added that the force successfully freed a family held inside a farm, arrested one suspect, and killed another during the confrontation. Weapons, ammunition, and narcotics were seized, and an official investigation into the incident has been launched.