Iraq’s National Security Service announced Tuesday that it had foiled an attempt to manufacture drones in Baghdad, arresting three suspects and seizing equipment and components intended for assembling the aircraft in what authorities described as the latest operation targeting activities suspected of threatening national security. In a statement, the agency said the operation was carried out under the supervision of the Third Investigative Court, which handles cases involving the National Security Service, and included the execution of arrest and search warrants. Security forces seized 25 drone airframes, along with equipment and tools used in assembly and production, the statement said. Investigators also uncovered a workshop containing carbon-fiber panels, fabricated parts, and technical materials used in drone manufacturing. Authorities said the bust took place before production was completed, adding that investigations are continuing to determine whether the operation was linked to plots threatening national security before the suspects are referred to the judiciary. The raid comes as Iraqi authorities intensify efforts to dismantle networks involved in the manufacture and smuggling of weapons and drones amid concerns they could be used in attacks on government facilities, military bases, or critical infrastructure. In a separate development, Iraq’s Interior Ministry referred a major general serving at ministry headquarters to the civilian criminal courts over allegations that he unlawfully obtained and leaked classified documents and concealed investigative files, according to security sources. Local media, citing the sources, said the referral was made after the officer was found to have improperly obtained classified documents and leaked them to other parties without legal authorization. The officer is also accused of concealing investigative documents in a way that benefited a suspect in a case involving the attempted misappropriation of public funds, conduct the ministry deemed a breach of official duties and harmful to the public interest. The sources said the measures are part of the Interior Ministry’s anti-corruption campaign, stressing that rank and position do not exempt officials from the law and that criminal liability remains a matter for the courts.
