Ankara: Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi on Wednesday appointed Lt. Gen. Zaid Houshi Khalaf al-Moussawi as head of the Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) and Lt. Gen. Mohammed Qassim al-Fahd as commander of the Federal Police Forces, marking a significant shift in the nation's security leadership.

According to Anadolu Agency, the appointments were executed by al-Zaidi in his role as commander-in-chief of the armed forces. This decision, reported by a security source via the Iraqi News Agency (INA), signifies a strategic move to strengthen Iraq's internal security operations. Both commanders have reportedly assumed their new positions, as confirmed by Iraqi sources.

The CTS has verified that Moussawi officially took over as the agency's chief, succeeding Lt. Gen. Karim al-Tamimi. In a statement, Moussawi expressed that his new role will build on his previous efforts to liberate Iraqi territories and combat terrorist factions. He emphasized his commitment to enhancing the agency's capabilities and operational readiness, and to pursuing the remaining terrorist cells in coordination with other military and security formations.

Previously, Moussawi served as the CTS security deputy chief since May, before being elevated to the head of the agency. His counterpart, Fahd, had commanded the Special Division responsible for securing Baghdad's Green Zone prior to his new appointment as leader of the Federal Police Forces.

The CTS is recognized as one of Iraq's premier security institutions, playing a crucial role in military operations against the Daesh/ISIS terrorist group. It continues to collaborate with other Iraqi security forces to dismantle the remaining elements of the group. Meanwhile, the Federal Police Forces, operating under the Interior Ministry, are tasked with maintaining public security, enforcing laws, combating crime and terrorism, supporting local police, and participating in joint security operations.