Iraq’s Ministry of Interior announced on Monday that security operations targeting petroleum product smuggling resulted in the arrest of 94 suspects and the seizure of 89 tankers and other vehicles during October.
Major General Miqdad Miri, head of the ministry’s Relations and Media Department, said the Energy Police Directorate and its affiliated units conducted the operations between October 1 and November 1, 2026, across the country’s provinces.
He explained that the campaign led to the seizure of 89 tankers and vehicles of different sizes intended for smuggling activities, covering all provinces except the Kurdistan Region.
Miri also revealed that security forces raided eight suspected smuggling hideouts in Karbala, Salah al-Din and Dhi Qar provinces. In addition, authorities confiscated 2,226,750 liters of petroleum products found in violation of regulations.
He stressed that the operations form part of ongoing efforts to curb oil smuggling, protect Iraq’s natural resources and safeguard the national economy.
