Baghdad detains 318 people in Rusafa security operation

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Security forces in Baghdad detained 318 people in a wide-scale operation in the Rusafa area on the capital's eastern side, security sources said. The detentions broke down into three categories, according to the sources: 222 people held for public intoxication, 50 for begging, and 46 Arab and foreign nationals held for residency violations. Authorities said the operation was part of routine security work to maintain order in the district. Officials said legal proceedings had been initiated against those detained. A security source said enforcement would continue and that further action would be taken against anyone found to be in violation. The source did not name the security forces involved or provide additional details on the timeframe of the detentions.