Iraq security update: Government directive, arrests, and violent incidents
Shafaq News
Below is a summary of key security and public safety incidents reported across Iraq on November 19, 2025.
- Security Directive Lifted (Nationwide)
Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani revoked a pre-election order that had suspended transfers, assignments, and secondments across all security formations.
- Drone Incident Resolved (Baghdad)
A drone fell near the Ministry of Communications in central Baghdad. Security checks confirmed it contained no explosives, and specialized teams later identified it as a children’s toy.
- Murder Suspects Arrested (Baghdad)
Baghdad Operations Command detained three individuals involved in a fatal dispute in al-Sadr City.
- Minor Lured Across Provinces (Baghdad)
Anti-Crime units in al-Mahmoudiyah arrested a suspect who used social media to lure a minor from Baghdad and transport her to another province.
- Man Killed in Shooting (Basra)
A citizen was shot by armed assailants in a pickup truck at the Safwan gas station. He was taken to Al-Zubair General Hospital but died from his injuries. The incident stemmed from a financial dispute.
- Civilian Injured by Gunfire (Kirkuk)
A young man was wounded during a Drug Control Directorate field operation in the Sarjinar area. The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under review.
- Oil Expert Dies in Accident (Najaf)
A senior Chinese oil specialist died in a vehicle rollover in the Najaf desert while returning from work. His body was transferred to the forensic department for legal procedures.
- Wedding Shooting (Najaf)
Gunfire at a wedding in the al-Abbasiyah sub-district resulted in one death and another person sustaining severe injuries. The shooter was arrested.
- Taxi Driver Killed (Najaf)
An unidentified gunman fatally shot a taxi driver near Airport Mall in central Najaf before fleeing. Initial findings suggest the attack was linked to a clan-related dispute.
