Iraqi forces raid Baghdad's Green Zone

BAGHDAD:

Iraqi security forces launched raids in Baghdad's fortified Green Zone early Sunday to arrest officials, two security sources told AFP, amid heavy deployment in the area.

The Green Zone houses the US embassy and other diplomatic missions, as well as international institutions and government offices. High-ranking officials and politicians also live there.

Video footage shared on local Telegram channels showed security forces in heavy vehicles such as tanks in the Green Zone, including a clip of them inside a compound and, in one instance, inside a house.

AFP correspondents reported heavy security deployment at the entrances of the Green Zone.

The large-scale raids were aimed at arresting senior Iraqi officials and politicians.

A security official told AFP on condition of anonymity that a "raid targeted several politicians over financial corruption, per judicial orders," adding that the operation involved anti-terrorism forces and the military.