Iraqi general killed, 5 injured in shooting during Baghdad illegal housing crackdown

A crackdown on illegal housing structures in Baghdad turned deadly on Thursday, August 27, when Iraqi military personnel and municipal workers came under fire, leaving an army brigadier general dead and five others injured, according to an Iraqi security official and state media.

The shooting took place in the southern Baghdad district of Dora as security forces and municipal workers were carrying out a demolition operation against illegal structures.

An Iraqi security official said the attack killed a brigadier general and wounded a police officer and four municipal workers. The official spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

Police and armed forces cordoned off the area following the shooting, while the Baghdad Operations Commander visited the site to oversee the security situation.

Iraq's state news agency also reported the killing of a brigadier general and injuries to several municipal workers, saying the Baghdad municipality had launched the operation after receiving legal orders to remove the unauthorised structures.

The Dora neighbourhood, which includes extensive agricultural areas, has seen illegal construction in several locations.

Authorities have not immediately disclosed who carried out the shooting or whether any suspects have been arrested. Further details were awaited as security forces continued operations in the area.