Iraqi authorities have arrested 47 officials, including a member of parliament, in a sweeping anti-corruption operation in Baghdad and other provinces. The arrests were carried out early Sunday by security forces led by the counterterrorism unit, targeting the capital’s fortified Green Zone and another city area. The operation follows Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s pledge to combat corruption and assert state control over weapons since taking office with US support.

According to Iraq’s state news agency INA, the detainees include government officials and at least one from the oil ministry. The campaign comes ahead of al-Zaidi’s planned visit to Washington, where he is expected to seek US investment and reaffirm efforts to disarm Iran-backed armed groups. A diplomat in Baghdad told AFP the crackdown is part of preparations for that trip and a signal of the prime minister’s commitment.

Officials said the arrests are part of a broader effort to curb financing of armed groups and smuggling of dollars and Iranian oil. The anti-corruption commission confirmed that the warrants were issued by courts, based partly on confessions from a previously detained oil ministry official.