Security
The Baghdad Operations Command announced the closure of numerous activities and factories that failed to comply with environmental regulations during inspection campaigns conducted this year in cooperation with relevant authorities. Brigadier General Abbas Al-Mufriji, the media director of the command, explained that these campaigns, carried out under the directives of the special environmental pollution committee, resulted in the closure and removal of 210 metal smelting kilns distributed across both the Karkh and Rusafa sides. Specifically, 34 kilns were shut down in areas including Taji, Abu Ghraib, and Mahmoudiya, while 176 kilns were closed in Nahrawan, Nahda, Saba Qusur, Bob Al-Sham, Al-Husseiniya, Al-Obaidi, and Al-Kamaliya. He pointed out that the inspection efforts aimed at reducing environmental pollution sources in the capital also led to the closure of 17 asphalt plants, 22 brick factories, 12 oxidized asphalt plants, along with 22 concrete casting factories and 34 waste processing and recycling plants. Al-Mufriji affirmed that these measures are part of joint efforts with national security units and the Ministries of Environment and Health to monitor violations and take necessary legal actions, contributing to the reduction of pollutants and improving environmental and health conditions. He emphasized the continuation of field and inspection procedures in coordination with supporting agencies, especially at smelting kiln sites and non-compliant factories, with the goal of protecting the environment and minimizing damage caused by industrial practices that do not adhere to approved standards. He also noted that these actions aim to decrease emissions affecting air quality and public health, strengthen field monitoring of polluting sites, and enforce legal measures against violators.
