By Anas al-Bar | 2026-09-08

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has recently reshaped the national leadership landscape by implementing significant changes across key security institutions.

These strategic moves function as part of a broader plan to redistribute leadership roles, aiming to support necessary institutional reforms.

This initiative seeks to embed higher standards of competence, professional excellence and genuine accountability throughout the entire state administration.

Accordingly, seasoned commander Lieutenant General Zaid Hoshi al-Mousawi has been appointed to lead the prestigious Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS).

He previously held high-ranking positions, including Director of Military Intelligence and head of the Operations Department within the National Intelligence Service.

Al-Mousawi possesses extensive experience in combating extremists, gained through his direct field participation in battles to liberate Iraqi cities.

His appointment aims to enhance the service's effectiveness in pursuing terrorist remnants while boosting combat readiness and intelligence capabilities.

Strengthening stability and national security

Al-Zaidi also appointed Lieutenant General Mohammed Qasim al-Fahd as the new commander of the federal police forces.

Al-Fahd previously held various police leadership roles, including Chief of Staff and commander of the division securing Baghdad's Green Zone.

This decision reflects the government's strong determination to leverage expertise to stabilize the country, enforce law and strengthen security independence.

The reshuffle also extended to the Intelligence Affairs Agency, the National Security Service and the National Security Advisory Council.

Major General Hadi Sarhid al-Kinani has been assigned the capital's security portfolio due to his extensive counter-terrorism background.

Crucially, the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has been officially reinstated after twelve years of dissolution.

General Abdul Amir al-Shammari was appointed to lead this body, which is now considered the restructuring plan's most significant step.

The office will provide the Prime Minister with vital information regarding sensitive security issues through direct coordination with military commanders.

Prioritizing efforts against terrorist remnants

Observers believe these changes signal a commitment to a strategy prioritizing the targeting of terrorists and strengthening vital partnerships.

Security expert Sarmad al-Bayati told Al-Fassel that selecting commanders with the professionalism to make sound decisions remains absolutely essential.

"The country continues to face major challenges, foremost among them the issue of terrorist remnants and these changes are necessary," he said.

He added that Iraq is entering a new phase grounded in upholding the rule of law and safeguarding national sovereignty.

Observers also stressed the importance of public cooperation, urging citizens to report suspected activities to bolster anti-terrorism efforts.