ISTANBUL/Anadolu Agency

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zeidi issued a decision on Wednesday appointing Lieutenant General Zaid Hoshi Khalaf al-Mousawi as head of the Counter-Terrorism Service and Lieutenant General Mohammed Qasim al-Fahd as commander of the Federal Police Forces.

These changes come as part of the Iraqi government's efforts to enhance security and combat terrorism following the decline of ISIS.

The official Iraqi News Agency quoted a security source confirming that al-Zeidi, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, issued the two new appointments.

Iraqi sources confirmed that the two commanders have assumed their new positions.

The Counter-Terrorism Service announced in a statement that al-Mousawi officially assumed his duties, succeeding General Karim al-Tamimi.

Al-Mousawi stated in a statement that his new position is a continuation of his role in liberating lands from terrorism.

He added that he will continue to work on developing the service's capabilities at all levels and enhancing its readiness to carry out national duties, contributing to consolidating security and stability and pursuing the remaining terrorist cells, in coordination with various security and military formations.

It is worth noting that al-Mousawi was appointed last May as the security deputy to the head of the Counter-Terrorism Service before being assigned to lead the service.

As for al-Fahd, he was commanding the Special Division responsible for the security of the Green Zone in Baghdad before being appointed to lead the Federal Police Forces.

The Counter-Terrorism Service is one of the most prominent security formations in Iraq and played a pivotal role in military operations against the terrorist organization ISIS, and it continues to carry out operations to pursue the organization's cells in coordination with other security forces.

The Federal Police Forces are affiliated with the Ministry of Interior and are responsible for maintaining security, enforcing law, combating crime and terrorism, supporting local police, and carrying out joint security operations.

The Counter-Terrorism Service is one of the most prominent Iraqi forces that played a decisive role in defeating ISIS. The service continues to carry out operations to pursue the organization's sleeper cells. In contrast, the Federal Police Forces are affiliated with the Ministry of Interior and are responsible for maintaining internal security and combating crime. The two new commanders are expected to contribute to raising the efficiency of these forces within a broader security strategy.