Iraqi lawmaker says 'Dawn Operation' anti-corruption drive is progressing

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A member of Iraq's parliamentary Security and Defense Committee said Friday that the government's anti-corruption campaign, dubbed the "Dawn Operation," is advancing, with several suspects taken into custody and billions recovered for the state treasury. Speaking on Alsumaria TV's "Alaanen" program, lawmaker Ahmed Hazali said corruption "has hollowed out the heart of the Iraqi state," even as the country continues to hold significant revenue and resources. Hazali said Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani has insisted on pushing the anti-corruption agenda forward in coordination with political blocs. He added that it has the backing of both the Iraqi parliament and the judiciary, describing the roughly 100-day performance of the government and the operation as "very good." The lawmaker said corruption files must be completed with concrete evidence and witness testimony, which has slowed some arrest procedures. Reaffirming support from the Sadqoun parliamentary bloc for the prime minister and his cabinet, Hazali said the fight against corruption will continue to the end and that the public must be given transparent information. Hazali also said anyone who has seized public resources will be held accountable. No further details on specific cases or recoveries were immediately available.