Fire Erupts at Abu Ghraib Prison in Western Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A large fire broke out Tuesday at Abu Ghraib prison, Iraq's most notorious detention facility located in western Baghdad, according to Iraqi Civil Defense. Civil defense teams responded to the blaze, which started in the prison's residential area near a waste accumulation site during evening hours. Security forces also joined the operation to help contain the flames. Authorities said the fire was significant and crews were working to extinguish it. Officials noted the flames erupted far from inmate housing units and said no prisoners were harmed. The incident comes years after Abu Ghraib gained international notoriety following revelations of prisoner abuse by U.S. forces following the 2003 invasion. The facility currently holds thousands of inmates, including those convicted or suspected of terrorism-related charges. Officials did not immediately specify what caused the blaze.