Iraq security brief: Drug kingpin arrested in Babil, deadly disputes in Maysan and Baghdad

2026-02-20 - 21:13

Shafaq News Below is a summary of key security and public safety incidents reported across Iraq on February 20. - Police Arrest Most Wanted Drug Trafficker (Babil) Iraq’s National Security Service stopped one of Babil’s most wanted drug traffickers and seized approximately one kilogram of crystal methamphetamine. - Armed Attacks Kill Two, Injure One (Maysan) Gunman stormed a house killing the owner, another shot dead a tuk-tuk driver in a separate attack, and a stray bullet wounded a local football goalkeeper during a match. - Suspects detained for Theft, Arson, and Threats (Baghdad) Al-Karkh Police apprehended several suspects accused of stealing and burning a house and publishing armed threats on social media to intimidate residents. - Family Clash Leaves One Dead, Six Injured (Babil) A family dispute between cousins escalated into violence, killing one person and injuring six others in southern Babil. - Policeman Kills Wife, Takes Own Life (Dhi Qar) A contract police officer shot his wife dead inside their home before taking his own life following family disputes. - Child Dies in Road Accident (Erbil) A child died in a traffic accident on the main road linking Erbil and Makhmour. - Fires Erupt in Commercial Areas (Kirkuk) Civil Defense teams extinguished separate fires inside a commercial complex and a popular café in central Kirkuk, causing material damage without casualties. - Shop Owner Shot in Dispute (Kirkuk) A gunman wounded a 27-year-old shop owner in the leg following a renewed dispute in central Kirkuk. - Young Man Found Dead in Suspected Suicide (Baghdad) A man in his late twenties died from a gunshot wound inside his home in Al-Qahira neighborhood, and forensic experts opened an investigation due to suspicions surrounding the case. - Man Dies by Suicide (Baghdad) A 55-year-old man hanged himself inside his home in Kadhimiya due to psychological problems.