Iraqi security forces carried out an overnight arrest operation targeting a series of politicians accused in a corruption case, Arab media outlets reported Sunday morning.
A source told the Saudi channel Asharq that those arrested included Muthanna al-Samarrai, head of the Azm Alliance, and two members of parliament, Mohammed al-Karbouli and Ziad al-Janabi. According to the Saudi channel Al Hadath, more than 10 politicians and businessmen have so far been arrested in the operation.
According to reports in Iraq, the corruption case is linked to the testimony of a senior Oil Ministry official, Adnan al-Jumaili, who was arrested about two weeks ago. It was also reported that al-Jumaili provided information during questioning about dozens of politicians, officials and businessmen who were involved in corrupt activity.
The source cited by Asharq added that the politicians were arrested after local court rulings stripped them of their parliamentary immunity. According to the source, the arrest operation, led by the Counter Terrorism Service, is still ongoing.
Meanwhile, reports said there had been a large security deployment that included tanks inside the Green Zone in the capital, Baghdad, the area that houses embassies and government buildings.
