Ministry of Interior (Iraq) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids
Republic of Iraq
Ministry of Interior
Agency overview
وزارة الداخلية

Employees	380,430
Annual budget	$3.8 billion
Minister responsible	Abdul Amir Al-Shammari
Website	www.moi.gov.iq

Former interior ministry flag, used during the Ba'athist era

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) is a very important part of the Iraqi government. It is in charge of keeping people safe and maintaining order across the country. Think of it as the main group that helps run the police and protect Iraq's borders.

The MOI includes many different groups. These include the Iraqi Police, who help keep local communities safe. There's also the Highway Patrol for roads and the Traffic Department. Other special teams include the Emergency Response Unit and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit, which handles dangerous explosives. The Department of Border Enforcement protects Iraq's international lines.

The Ministry of Interior has a lot of employees, about 380,430 people work there. In 2008, it had a budget of about $3.8 billion to do its important work. This shows how big and vital this ministry is for Iraq.

After the Iraq War, the Ministry of Interior was not closed down. Instead, it was changed and made stronger. This was done so it could take over policing and security duties quickly.

How the Ministry of Interior is Organized
Special Police Commandos
Images for kids
See also

How the Ministry of Interior is Organized

The Ministry of Interior has several key departments. Each one plays a special role in keeping Iraq safe.

Federal Police (FP)

The Federal Police is a special police force. It acts like a bridge between local police and the army. This means they can help keep law and order in different parts of Iraq. They also help local police grow stronger.

Even though they are called police, they have been trained for military-style operations. In 2006, the Iraqi government decided to improve the Federal Police. They wanted them to be better at solving crimes and handling tough situations.

The Federal Police use small guns, machine guns, and special vehicles like pick-up trucks and SUVs. Some of their units also have light armored vehicles.

Department of Border Enforcement (DBE)

Mashan border fort in Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan Region

The Department of Border Enforcement (DBE) has a big job. They protect Iraq's borders from people or things trying to enter illegally. They work at many border posts, about 405 of them.

As of 2010, about 40,000 people worked for the DBE. They are organized into different regions and groups to cover all parts of Iraq's long borders. Their main office is in Baghdad.

The DBE helps secure borders with countries like Turkey and Iran. They also protect borders with Saudi Arabia. In 2024, a border guard team was sent to help secure the Iraqi-Turkish border in Duhok.

The DBE and another group called the Department of Ports of Entry use equipment like AK-47s, machine guns, and special vehicles. They also have generators and radios to help them do their job.

Facilities Protection Service

The Facilities Protection Service (FPS) has more than 150,000 people. They work to protect buildings and important places for many different government ministries.

There were plans to bring all FPS staff together under the Ministry of Interior. This was to make sure they were all working together and were well-managed.

National Security Service

The Iraqi National Security Service (NSS) uses smart methods to keep the country safe. They gather information to protect Iraq from threats. These threats could try to harm the country or its people.

The NSS works with other government groups. Their goal is to keep society stable and help Iraq grow.

Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency

The Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency (FIIA) was started in 2003. Their main job is to collect secret information about national security. They use different sources to get this information.

The FIIA also checks and studies this information. They create reports to help fight against terrorism and organized crime. They advise leaders on risks to internal security. This agency has three main parts: one for intelligence and fighting terrorism, one for fighting organized crime, and one for technology.

Special Police Commandos

The Special Police Commandos were a very skilled unit. They worked for the Ministry of Interior to fight against groups causing trouble. In 2004, a new interior minister, Falah Hassan al-Naqib, took charge.

He wanted the Ministry of Interior to have strong forces. So, he created these "commando units." Many of these commandos were former soldiers from special army groups.

These units were very good at working with U.S. forces. They helped fight against different armed groups in Iraq. The unit was officially announced in September 2004 and had about 5,000 officers.

Later, in 2006, the Special Police Commando Division joined with other police groups. They formed the National Police. This group has grown and is now called the Federal Police.