The Iraqi Naval Intelligence Directorate announced on Wednesday that it had foiled an attempt to smuggle petroleum products and arrested the crews of two boats in Iraqi territorial waters.
In a statement, the directorate said the operation was carried out by the Intelligence and Security Department at Umm Qasr Naval Base following intelligence surveillance that detected suspicious movements by two boats suspected of engaging in illegal maritime activities.
The specialized force intercepted both vessels, seizing one of them while carrying petroleum products, and apprehended all members of the two crews.
The directorate noted that the operation is part of its continued security efforts to track down smuggling networks, prevent illicit activities, protect national resources, and safeguard Iraq's territorial waters.
