With Broad Security and Military Participation: Director of Iraq’s Ports Announces Launch of Proactive Campaign to Secure Iraqi Maritime Routes, Including Those Leading to Al Faw Grand Port

Dr. Eng. Farhan Al-Fartousi, Director General of the General Company for Ports of Iraq, announced on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the commencement of a comprehensive proactive security operation to survey Iraq’s territorial waters and maritime routes, particularly those leading to Al Faw Grand Port. The operation is being carried out in close coordination with relevant security and military authorities, with the aim of reinforcing the state’s maritime sovereignty and ensuring the safety of navigation in strategic waterways.

The Director General stated: “A comprehensive proactive security operation has been launched to survey Iraq’s territorial waters and maritime routes, especially those leading to Al Faw Grand Port. This initiative is being conducted in high-level coordination with specialized security and military entities, in order to strengthen the state’s maritime sovereignty and safeguard navigation within strategic corridors.”

He clarified that “the operation commenced at marker 162, the final point in the Khor Abdullah channel, heading toward the sea,” noting that “the movement is taking place in full coordination with the Naval Forces Command, military and civilian intelligence agencies, as well as security leadership operating in Basra Governorate.”

He added that “this security campaign constitutes a proactive measure aimed at controlling the movement of suspicious vessels within Iraqi territorial waters,” pointing out, “We possess intelligence on several vessels and will conduct thorough inspections as part of this operation.”

He emphasized that “the General Company for Ports of Iraq is the authority responsible for maritime operations within territorial waters and holds the mandate to monitor the movement of all types of vessels, in coordination with the Maritime Authority, which issues approvals and security clearances for vessel entry.”

He continued: “Any vessel detected within territorial waters will first be inspected for official documentation. If found to be unauthorized, it will be dealt with in accordance with established legal procedures—either by expelling it from Iraqi waters or detaining it if it poses a significant security threat.”

He affirmed: “Through this operation, we aim to enhance maritime security, assert state control over all maritime entry points, and prevent any breaches or violations that may threaten Iraq’s security and sovereignty.”