Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service raises alert level to 'C'

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) has raised its alert status to level "C" across its units as a preventive measure against a potential emergency, security sources said. The decision was taken to strengthen security readiness and enable a rapid response to any developments, according to the sources. Under the directive, units attached to the CTS have moved to a heightened alert, with personnel placed on standby for possible urgent situations. The CTS is one of Iraq's principal security structures, playing a central role in critical counter-terrorism operations nationwide. The sources did not provide details on how long the heightened alert would remain in place or what specifically triggered the move to level "C." No further information was immediately available.