Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi dismisses nine officials over Babil oil smuggling

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi dismissed nine security and administrative officials on Saturday, November 14, 2026, following investigations into oil smuggling. The decision follows a government committee investigation into illicit oil smuggling activities occurring in the Jurf al-Nasr area of Babil province. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi ordered the referral of all individuals implicated in these smuggling operations to the judiciary.

Investigation details and findings

The government investigation began after the Prime Minister ordered a probe on Wednesday, November 11, 2026. This order followed intelligence reports from agencies that provided satellite imagery showing suspected smuggling activities in the region. The investigation confirmed information previously reported by the Federal Intelligence and Investigation Agency regarding oil smuggling operations. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi held an emergency security meeting on Saturday to review the findings of the committee.

The smuggling operations in the Jurf al-Nasr region are allegedly linked to the Kataib Hezbollah armed group. This region is considered a stronghold for the Kataib Hezbollah group, which is backed by Iran. These administrative and security measures occur amid pressure from the United States on Baghdad to limit the influence of armed groups linked to Iran.

Dismissed officials and units

The list of dismissed officials includes several high-ranking security leaders in Babil province. According to Masralyoum, the individuals removed from their positions include the Babil police chief and the North Babil police chief. The dismissals also involve the Babil intelligence and counter-terrorism director and the Babil National Security director.

Other officials removed from their posts include the Babil Ministry of Defense intelligence and security director and the Babil intelligence director. The group of dismissed individuals also includes the Babil Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) commander and the commander of the 6th Energy Police Brigade. Additionally, the director of the Oil Pipelines Company was dismissed as part of this government action.

Government commitment to national wealth

The Iraqi government has emphasized its stance on protecting the nation's resources. Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi stated that the government is committed to protecting public funds and decisively confronting oil smuggling and attempts to misuse national wealth. The dismissal of these nine officials marks a significant step in the government's efforts to secure the oil sector in Babil province.

The investigation and subsequent dismissals highlight the ongoing challenges the Iraqi government faces in controlling smuggling networks in provinces like Babil. The use of satellite imagery and intelligence agency reports played a critical role in identifying the scale of the activities in the Jurf al-Nasr area. The referral of implicated individuals to the judiciary ensures that the legal consequences for the smuggling operations will be determined through official judicial processes.

Glossary

• Kataib Hezbollah — Kataib Hezbollah is an Iran-backed armed group. It is described as a group that has a stronghold in the Jurf al-Nasr region.
• Babil province — Babil province is a province in Iraq located near the ancient city of Babylon. It is the location where the Hanging Gardens were said to have been built.