Baghdad reinforces air defenses in Green Zone ahead of weapons deadline

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Security measures in Baghdad's Green Zone have been stepped up and air defense systems reinforced ahead of the government's September 30 deadline for bringing weapons under state control, security sources said. The sources reported tightened precautions around government buildings and strengthened air defense deployments inside the heavily fortified district, which houses the presidency, the prime minister's office, parliament and several ministries, as well as diplomatic missions including the U.S. Embassy. New commanders have been appointed to lead the special brigade responsible for Green Zone security and the Baghdad Operations Command as part of the restructuring. A Coordination Framework official said Prime Minister Ali Zeydani had received death threats over the disarmament effort but would not back down. The Interior Ministry said drones operating without official authorization would be treated under counterterrorism law. No further details were immediately available.