Iraq PM Ali al‑Zaidi launches anti‑corruption drive, militia overhaul

Iraq’s 40‑year‑old prime minister Ali al‑Zaidi, the youngest in the country’s history, opened his tenure with a high‑profile anti‑corruption campaign. Officials seized roughly $86 million in cash, 70 properties, 21 vehicles and about three kilograms of gold linked to former oil refinery chief Adnan al‑Jumaili and ex‑governor Raed al‑Jubouri. Al‑Zaidi established the Supreme Sovereign Council for Integrity, Oversight and Recovery of Public Funds and cancelled a $764 million Baghdad airport project on corruption grounds.

At the same time, the new leader ordered all Iran‑backed militias to come under direct state authority. While some groups, such as Muqtada al‑Sadr’s Peace Brigades, pledged compliance, powerful factions like Kataib Hezbollah rejected the directive and called for an end to U.S. interference. Analysts say the move may be largely symbolic, but it signals the prime minister’s intent to curb militia autonomy and consolidate state control.