The European Union Advisory Mission in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) recently hosted an activity at the Joint Coordination Center focusing on operational intelligence tools, including human intelligence (HUMINT), open-source intelligence (OSINT), and geospatial intelligence (GEOINT), for investigations involving foreign terrorist fighters. The training was designed to strengthen Iraq’s law enforcement capacity while upholding human rights and integrating gender perspectives into counter-terrorism operations.
This initiative is part of the EU-funded CT JUST programme, which assists partner countries in preventing and combating terrorism while ensuring the rule of law. CT JUST supports national authorities in improving investigative techniques, judicial cooperation, and coordination between security and justice sectors. In Iraq, the programme also works to promote gender equality in law enforcement and ensure that operational practices align with international standards and EU principles.
Developed according to Iraqi authorities’ priorities, the course enhanced the operational capacity of law enforcement units to apply modern intelligence techniques. Participants from the Ministry of Interior, the National Intelligence Service, and other state agencies took part in theoretical and practical sessions led by experts from Spain, Belgium, and EUROPOL. Training covered topics such as identity virtualization, social media analysis, satellite imagery, and data cross-referencing.
The programme also emphasised the role of women in security. Major General Alaa Jaber Hasim of Iraq’s Ministry of Interior highlighted its value for national capacity building, while EUAM Iraq’s Head of Security, Chief Commissioner Angelina Mezach, underlined its contribution to empowering women in law enforcement and promoting a safer society.
This activity is part of the CT JUST project’s 2024–2026 bilateral cooperation cycle between the EU and Iraq, implemented under the Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace. It supports the EU’s Gender Action Plan III and the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda by fostering professional development for women in security and counter-terrorism. A follow-up module focusing on digital evidence and forensic methodologies is scheduled for later in 2025, continuing the effort to build sustainable, gender-responsive technical cooperation between the EU and Iraq.
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