Iraqi security forces deployed across Baghdad's fortified Green Zone early on Sunday as part of a raid targeting several politicians in a financial corruption investigation, according to a security official.
The Green Zone houses the US embassy, other diplomatic missions, international organisations and key government institutions. It is also home to a number of senior Iraqi officials and politicians.
Video footage shared on local Telegram channels showed heavily armed security forces, supported by armoured vehicles and tanks, operating throughout the area. Some clips appeared to show troops entering residential compounds and at least one private home.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a security official told AFP that the operation targeted several politicians under judicial orders linked to alleged financial corruption. The official said anti-terrorism forces and the military took part in the raids but did not identify any of the individuals involved or confirm whether arrests had been made.
No official statement had been issued by the Iraqi authorities at the time of reporting.
Local media reported that the operation was aimed at arresting several senior Iraqi officials, although their identities were not officially confirmed.
The raids come as Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged to tackle corruption and mismanagement, longstanding problems that have affected Iraq's public institutions for decades.
