Iraq's PM Ali Al Zaidi Reshuffles Top Security Team, Dismisses Intelligence Chief

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi has initiated a significant reshuffle of his administration, dismissing several key officials including the head of intelligence and the chief of staff, just five months after assuming power. The changes were formalized through an order signed by Mr. Al Zaidi's newly appointed chief of staff, Rashad Khalaf Hashim, which removed intelligence chief Hamid Al Shatri without specifying a reason. A successor for the intelligence chief position has not yet been announced.

Mr. Hashim himself took on the role of chief of staff on Monday, succeeding Ihsan Al Awadi. The directive, dated October 26, stipulated that these personnel changes were to be implemented immediately.

Hamid Al Shatri had been appointed as intelligence chief in December 2024 under former prime minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani, having previously led the National Security Service. Following the Iraqi general election last November, Mr. Al Shatri's name was reportedly considered as a potential candidate for the prime minister role during the extensive coalition negotiations that eventually led to Mr. Al Zaidi's premiership. In his capacity as intelligence chief, he had spearheaded multiple security delegations to Syria to address counter-terrorism efforts and border security.

Further indicating the scope of the shake-up, a letter that surfaced on social media revealed that 69 advisers were also being dismissed from Mr. Al Zaidi's office.

These governmental adjustments occur amidst a provincial council rebellion against Mr. Al Zaidi concerning the closure of a border crossing with Iran. On Monday, a Baghdad court ordered an investigation into Mustafa Duair Abdulhassan, the head of Maysan province. This action followed Mr. Al Zaidi's call for a probe into the provincial head's appeals for civil disobedience if the Al Sheeb border crossing remained shut. Iraq had closed the crossing last week citing security concerns at the border, a move that has heightened tensions with Iran and pro-Tehran Iraqi political figures.

This incident follows the closure of the Shalamcheh crossing in September, implemented as a precautionary security measure after drone attacks on Saudi Arabia. The shutdown of the Al Sheeb crossing has disrupted trade and daily life within Maysan province and is anticipated to affect the prices of essential goods, particularly fresh produce and Iranian building materials, which are prevalent in the southern markets.

Prime Minister Al Zaidi, who took office in May, has been endeavoring to maintain a balanced foreign policy, cultivating ties with both Iran and the United States, while simultaneously working to bring armed factions under the control of the state. While some Iran-aligned groups have reportedly complied with these efforts, others have resisted.