Senior Nasiriya municipal official escapes arrest raid in Dhi Qar

NASIRIYA, Iraq — A senior Nasiriya municipality official accused of corruption escaped as security forces raided his home in Dhi Qar province, local security sources said on Monday. The official, known by the nickname "al-Timsah," fled the area moments before the raid took place, according to the sources. Security units in the city were placed on alert following the escape, and a large-scale search was launched to locate the suspect, the sources added. They said the official is believed to have purchased dozens of properties outside Nasiriya in an attempt to conceal the alleged corruption. The corruption court handling the investigation has issued multiple arrest warrants against the official, the sources said, without elaborating on the charges. Officials told local media that operations to capture him are ongoing. No further details on the case were immediately available.