Iraq Arrests Three Over Attempt to Manufacture Drones in Baghdad

Iraq 01:34 PM - 2026-08-27

Iraq’s National Security Service's Press Conference.

Iraq’s National Security Service said on Thursday that it had dealt with 754 cyberattacks and 2,740 accounts deemed to pose a threat to social peace, while also thwarting an attempt to manufacture drones in Baghdad.

Speaking at a press conference held at the office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, National Security Service spokesman Arshad al-Hakim said the agency had recovered more than 93 billion Iraqi dinars for the state treasury during the first half of 2026. It also seized $14 million and 12 billion dinars, which were deposited with the Central Bank of Iraq.

Al-Hakim said the Service had arrested 40 people accused of membership in or leadership of a front linked to the banned Ba’ath Party. It also dismantled two cells whose members were allegedly planning attacks against political and security figures and monitoring sensitive security installations.

He said the Service’s technical and cyber units had dealt with 754 cyberattacks and 2,740 accounts considered threatening to social stability.

The spokesman also announced the dismantling of a network accused of manipulating land records in Muthanna province. Sixty-one suspects were arrested, while more than 90 forged documents and transactions were uncovered, involving the alleged misappropriation of around 2 billion dinars in public funds.

Al-Hakim further revealed that the National Security Service had foiled an attempt to establish a drone manufacturing workshop in Baghdad following an intelligence operation. Three suspects were arrested and 25 drone frames, along with equipment and tools used for assembly and production, were seized.

He said investigators discovered a workshop containing carbon-fibre panels and components, as well as technical equipment intended for the manufacturing process. The operation was disrupted before the workshop could begin full production.


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