Strict security measures have been implemented at checkpoints between the Kurdistan Region and federal Iraq amid the ongoing anti-corruption crackdown. Simultaneously, the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) and other federal forces have been deployed to Kirkuk, Dibis, and Saladin.

This deployment comes as the country initiates sweeping security raids to arrest individuals involved in corruption cases. At least 47 politicians, lawmakers, and senior government officials have been arrested in the initial phase of the campaign.

Channel8 Exclusive: Strict Cargo and Passenger Inspections Implemented 

Channel8 has learned that security forces are operating under heightened protocols across multiple border points. This includes the Erbil-Mosul and Duhok-Mosul checkpoints, which serve as the two main transit routes connecting the cities.

By order of the Iraqi Prime Minister, a specialized committee has been deployed to conduct meticulous inspections of all individuals and cargo. Consequently, no cargo is permitted to transit between Mosul and either Erbil or Duhok without undergoing a thorough security screening.

Security personnel are inspecting all vehicles and checking identification cards against a list of wanted individuals provided to checkpoints to facilitate immediate arrests.

While the Security Committee of the Mosul Provincial Council reports no instances of officials attempting to flee between Mosul and the Kurdistan Region so far, strict security protocols remain heavily reinforced.

Security Forces Mobilize in Dibis and Kirkuk 

A Channel8 correspondent reported earlier that an Iraqi counter-terrorism force with about 10 military vehicles arrived in the Dibis district, and the purpose of the deployment remains unclear.

According to further information obtained by Channel8, an Iraqi Federal Commission of Integrity force composed of various specialized committees entered Kirkuk yesterday to arrest individuals wanted in corruption cases, while four people have been arrested in Saladin Governorate on corruption charges.

PM Al-Zaidi Vows to Pursuit Corrupt Figures 

During yesterday's cabinet session, Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi stated that he will “chase” anyone involved in corruption cases, emphasizing that the campaign “represents only the first phase.”

Iraqi officials and major political factions, including Kurdish parties in the Kurdistan Region, across the spectrum have expressed widespread support for the campaign.

Meanwhile, the Federal Commission of Integrity announced today that it has seized a large amount of money outside of Iraq amid the ongoing anti-corruption campaign.