Ahmed Al-Zarkani, Director-General of Narcotics Affairs, confirmed that security forces are continuing intelligence-led operations to pursue drug trafficking networks and dismantle their activities. He emphasized that the campaign against drug trafficking will continue with determination, backed by the government, the judiciary, and the Ministry of Interior.
Al-Zarkani made the remarks during a visit to injured security personnel receiving treatment at the Kuwaiti Hospital in Basra, following a grenade explosion during a security operation.
Basra Health Director Abbas Al-Tamimi said medical teams had performed surgical procedures on the injured personnel, confirming that their conditions were stable and that they were receiving the necessary medical care.
The incident occurred near Saad Square in central Basra, when a suspected drug trafficker detonated a hand grenade while being surrounded by a joint security force. The explosion killed the suspect and injured an officer and five anti-narcotics personnel.
In a statement, the Basra Police Command said the incident took place during an operation to arrest a suspected drug dealer. The suspect reportedly pulled out a hand grenade while security forces were negotiating with him and then detonated it, killing himself and injuring six members of the security force.
