Iraq's Interior Ministry reports sharp drop in crime rates, with Baghdad leading the decline

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq's Interior Ministry announced on Saturday that crime rates have dropped markedly across the country, with Baghdad recording the steepest decline. Brigadier General Mikdad Miri, head of the ministry's Press and Relations Department, said current security data shows a clear reduction across multiple categories of crime. Miri attributed the decline to security plans, preventive operations, intelligence work and an expanded field presence by security forces. He added that efforts to track wanted individuals and apprehend those engaged in unlawful activity also contributed to the results. The ministry official said Baghdad stood out as the city with the largest drop in crime rates, with security indicators moving in a positive direction. Miri also credited sustained coordination, intelligence sharing and cooperation with citizens for maintaining the stability. The Interior Ministry said its units are continuing to work intensively on crime prevention, the rapid resolution of cases and the apprehension of perpetrators. It added that it will continue refining its security plans to preserve existing gains and reinforce public confidence.