Iraqi PM Shakes Up Military In Push Against Graft

November 13, 2014

Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi has conducted a major shakeup of Iraq's military in an anticorruption drive.

Abadi's office announced on November 12 that he relieved 26 army officers of their commands, sent 10 into retirement, and appointed 18 new commanders.

A statement said the move is part of 'efforts to reinforce the work of the military on the basis of professionalism and fighting graft in all its forms.'

A government official was quoted as saying the shake-up followed the findings of a probe ordered last month by Abadi on corruption in the military.

Abadi, who took office in August, also serves as armed forces commander in chief.

His move comes as government security forces and militias are battling Islamic State (IS) militants, who control large swaths of Iraq.

Based on reporting by AP, AFP, and Reuters

Source: http://www.rferl.org/content/iraqi-pm-shakes-up- military-in-push-against-graft/26689608.html

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