Security forces detain associate of detained deputy oil minister in Kirkuk raid

KIRKUK, Iraq — Security forces in Kirkuk conducted a search operation in the Kadisiya neighborhood to detain a suspect linked to Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) investigation and to a deputy oil minister already in custody, local sources said. The raid was carried out by security forces working with a team from the Integrity Commission, targeting a person wanted under the PMF investigation, which authorities say is backed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. The suspect, who was described as close to detained Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jamili, was not found at the address despite heavy security measures around the area. The suspect had worked in a liquidation unit attached to al-Jamili's office and was the subject of an arrest warrant on financial and administrative corruption charges, according to the sources. Investigators said the man faces charges tied to the same corruption case that led to al-Jamili's detention. Officials said the investigation is continuing and that efforts are underway to apprehend all individuals named in the case and bring them before the courts. No further details were immediately available on the suspect's whereabouts or any additional arrests in the operation.