Iraqi PM Vows No Territory Will Be Allowed for Smuggling, Theft of Public Wealth

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged that no part of Iraq's territory will be allowed to serve as a hub for smuggling or the theft of public wealth, voicing full support for security officials and commanders working to expose corruption and protect state resources.

Al-Zaidi made the remarks on Sunday, during a meeting with several military and security commanders and officials, praising those who had uncovered the theft of public resources and warning individuals who believe they are beyond accountability.

"No one should think that no eyes are watching them. Anyone who believes so is mistaken and should reconsider their calculations," the prime minister warned.

He stressed that the government would not allow any part of Iraqi territory to be used for smuggling or the plundering of the country's public wealth.

Addressing the officials, al-Zaidi praised their commitment to serving the country, describing them as the embodiment of the homeland.

"I see each one of you as the homeland, because the homeland is not merely land; it is an honorable person who tells the truth and is not afraid," he said.

The prime minister also expressed strong support for Iraq's judicial authorities, emphasizing the importance of the judiciary in establishing the rule of law and strengthening state institutions.

"We thank Iraq's judicial authorities and support them 100 percent," al-Zaidi said.

Al-Zaidi also defended the capabilities of Iraq's security forces, recalling that some had questioned whether the country had sufficient forces to confront those involved in wrongdoing.

He said he had responded by expressing confidence in the country's forces and their ability to defend the rights of Iraqis.

"Our forces only need a brave man to tell them to go out and assure them that I am with you. That is all they need," he said.

This comes after Iraq's Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, al-Zaidi, ordered on Saturday that all suspects involved in oil smuggling operations in the town of Jurf al-Sakhar be referred to court. He also ordered the dismissal of nine security and administrative officials.

These decisions followed investigations that confirmed intelligence reports regarding oil smuggling, the existence of oil refineries, and instances of manipulation and interference in the case.

Meanwhile, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces directed operations commanders, police officials, and heads of security and intelligence agencies to assume full responsibility for preventing oil smuggling within their respective areas. He also ordered tighter security and monitoring measures to prevent such activities from recurring and to hold negligent officials accountable.