Iraqi forces arrest three Popular Mobilization members with 35 rockets south of Baghdad

Iraqi security forces have arrested three individuals affiliated with the 15th Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Forces while they were transporting a shipment of 35 rockets in a truck in the Latifiyah area, south of Baghdad. The shipment was reportedly en route to Babil province, according to Al Arabiya/Al Hadath sources.

Sources stated that the detainees were driving a Hino truck loaded with rockets when a security force intercepted them on the road leading to Babil. The intended recipient and the purpose of the shipment remain unclear.

According to Iraqi media reports, security forces found 35 unidentified rockets and two pistols inside the truck. The three suspects have been taken into custody.

Shafaq News Agency quoted a security source confirming that the detainees are members of the Popular Mobilization Forces, adding that an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the incident. Alsumaria TV reported that the probe aims to identify the type of rockets, their ownership, and the final destination of the shipment.

As of initial reports, neither the Iraqi government nor the Popular Mobilization Forces had issued an official statement clarifying the suspects' connection to the incident or the legal status of the seized weapons.

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The incident coincided with Iraqi authorities announcing the results of a campaign to restrict weapons to state control last October. Major General Saad Maan, head of the Public Relations and Government Communications Authority in the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, reported the seizure of 1,198 rockets and bombs, as well as three drones.

Maan added that security measures also led to the confiscation of 4,046 light weapons, over 15,000 rounds of ammunition, and the discovery of 373 highly explosive materials.

He noted that authorities registered weapons belonging to more than 38,000 citizens as part of efforts to regulate arms possession and enhance security and stability.