Iraq PM Sudani says anti-corruption operations are in initial phase

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani said anti-corruption operations underway in the country represent only the first stage of a broader campaign to protect public resources, speaking at the eighth regular session of the Council of Ministers on Sunday. Sudani said safeguarding citizens' interests is a core government responsibility and that no concessions would be made in the effort, adding that Iraq had reached a point where silence on the issue was no longer possible. The prime minister instructed oversight bodies to receive reports of corruption or shortcomings related to the performance of the government and individual ministries. He also outlined steps to strengthen state authority following years marked by war, displacement and terrorism, including tightening control over weapons and keeping individuals implicated in corruption away from public structures. Sunday's operations in Iraq led to a wide wave of detentions targeting politicians, bureaucrats, lawmakers and business figures, according to Iraqi officials, on charges of corruption and abuse of influence. Sudani said the government would continue the campaign and that stronger oversight mechanisms were in place to ensure public funds were protected and properly used. Further details on the scope and targets of the detentions were not immediately available.