Several people were arrested on suspicion of corruption during overnight raids in the government district of Baghdad, local media reported on Sunday.
Prolonged bursts of gunfire could be heard in videos shared online showing tanks and military vehicles in the Green Zone, where government buildings and embassies are located.
More than eight people were arrested, local media reported. Some reports suggested as many as 15 arrests, including top politicians and officials.
State news agency INA reported that the arrests were made on corruption charges following confessions by the former deputy oil minister, Adnan al-Jumaili. Several members of parliament were also reportedly arrested.
Videos showed special forces storming several houses in what appeared to be raids. The Green Zone, where top lawmakers and their families live, was temporarily cordoned off.
New leader combats corruption
The new prime minister, Ali al-Zaidi, has made the fight against corruption and the embezzlement of public funds one of his top priorities.
Al-Jumaili and a former governor have already been arrested. Investigators have so far seized funds worth the equivalent of $85 million plus dozens of properties, cars and gold jewellery, reports say.
Alongside curtailing corruption, this could also be an attempt by the leader to crack down on political opponents early in his term of office, some observers said. Al-Zaidi took office six weeks ago.
The Green Zone is the de facto centre of power in Baghdad. Military operations there are extremely rare, but lately, there have been repeated protests and violent clashes in the surrounding area.
Iraq is also a battleground in the conflict between the US and Iran, which exerts considerable influence in the country.
