Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaydi said the government's sweeping anti-corruption operation that led to the arrest of dozens of politicians and senior officials was only the beginning of a broader campaign, pledging that efforts to recover public funds and eliminate corruption from state institutions will continue.

Speaking during a Cabinet meeting following Wednesday's nationwide raids, al-Zaydi described the operation as the "first phase" of the government's anti-corruption drive, emphasizing that authorities remain committed to protecting public resources and holding those responsible for corruption accountable.

"The operation launched against corruption is only the first phase. We are duty-bound to safeguard the interests of the people, and we will make no compromise in fulfilling this responsibility," al-Zaydi said.

According to the Iraqi News Agency (INA), the prime minister instructed oversight bodies to pursue allegations of corruption and negligence across all government ministries. He also said Iraq must move beyond the era of war and terrorism, stressing that the state must remain the sole authority over arms and security and that those who plunder public funds would have no place within state institutions.

Authorities announced that 47 people were arrested during Wednesday morning's coordinated operation, which was carried out in Baghdad and several other cities. Those detained include members of parliament as well as current and former senior government officials.

Officials said the investigation was launched based on testimony provided by former Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili as part of an ongoing corruption probe.

Iraqi sources said legal action has also been initiated against a number of lawmakers, including Muthanna al-Samarrai, Ziyad al-Janabi, Baha al-Nouri, Mohammed al-Karbouli and Aliya Nseif. Authorities indicated that additional arrests could follow as investigations continue.

The operation is being described as one of the largest anti-corruption campaigns targeting politicians in Iraq since 2003 and has received widespread public support. Many Iraqis have taken to social media to call for the campaign to continue beyond a single wave of arrests and dismantle corruption networks across the country.

Iraq has long ranked among the countries with the highest levels of perceived corruption in international indices. The government has pledged to expand the current operation and bring all individuals accused of misusing public funds before the courts.(ILKHA)