BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces conducted raids in Baghdad's Green Zone overnight between Saturday and Sunday. Footage showed armored vehicles and members of the elite Counter-Terrorism Service carrying out the operations.

Shafaq News reported that court orders targeted members of parliament and politicians. The news outlet stated the Green Zone was closed and eight people were arrested in central Baghdad. A security source told Shafaq News Agency: "The special unit arrested more than eight people at dawn today, including members of the House of Representatives, based on judicial arrest warrants related to financial and administrative corruption cases." Counter-Terrorism Service forces established intensive checkpoints inside the Green Zone.

Shafaq News noted that a large-scale raid and search campaign targeted the homes of members of parliament, politicians, and businessmen. The outlet added that these measures coincide with frequent reports of an expanded list of prosecutions targeting senior officials, security personnel, and businessmen on charges of illicit enrichment and squandering public funds.

Many politicians reside in the Green Zone, which contains the parliament building, various government institutions, and embassies.

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi has pledged to address corruption before his trip to the U.S. in July. He said: "Our visit to Washington is not a routine protocol visit. It represents the announcement of a new phase of partnership between Iraq and the United States, built on shared interests and mutual respect."

Al-Zaidi stated: "The International Coalition forces will conclude their combat mission against ISIS and withdraw from Iraq permanently in September." He added: "In the next phase, we envision American presence through economic, investment, and development partnerships." The prime minister said: "We seek to transition from military partnership to sustainable economic partnership, and to build an effective economic bridge between Iraq and the United States that serves the interests of both peoples."

Al-Zaidi is seeking to disarm Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. He is also working to finalize appointments in his new government, a process expected to take place this week.