British Army returns to Iraq to fight a ‘special battle’
The United Kingdom, under the leadership of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is intensifying efforts to counter illegal human smuggling from Iraq to Britain. According to The National, Starmer announced that British officers will soon operate within Iraq to disrupt human trafficking networks, particularly those organizing crossings of the English Channel. This initiative forms part of a broader UK strategy to curb illegal migration, incorporating measures such as social media campaigns aimed at discouraging Iraqis from attempting dangerous crossings.
Starmer revealed these plans while opening Interpol’s General Assembly in Glasgow. He emphasized the gravity of combating “evil human traffickers” who exploit migrants’ desperation for profit. Highlighting the initiative, the UK will increase funding by £75 million for the newly established Border Security Force, which will also be responsible for handling small boat crossings. This additional funding is aimed at bolstering international collaborations and includes deploying British officers to Iraq. Iraqis make up a significant percentage of those attempting Channel crossings in small boats, motivated by promises of a better life in Britain.
The report also mentioned the role of smuggling networks operating from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. One notorious figure, Barzan Majid, known as “The Scorpion,” was arrested in Sulaymaniyah after fleeing a Belgian prison sentence. The UK is determined to curb these smuggling operations at the source.
The British government’s new strategy also involves working with social media and internet platforms to remove harmful content promoting illegal migration. The campaign will highlight the harsh reality of living in the UK without legal status, aiming to undermine the false promises made by traffickers.
Starmer underlined that human trafficking is a global security threat, akin to terrorism. His strategy mirrors successful counter-terrorism approaches and involves elite border security forces and specialized investigators from the National Crime Agency. He condemned the human cost of illegal crossings, stressing the need for comprehensive international action.
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