The Iraqi Intelligence Agency, specialized in counter-terrorism, announced on Friday the arrest of six individuals wanted on terrorism charges. According to a statement released by the agency and reported by the Iraqi News Agency (INA), a special operation based on intelligence information was carried out by counter-terrorism forces in Baghdad Al-Karkh, resulting in the arrests.
The suspects confessed during interrogation to their affiliation with the terrorist group ISIS, admitting to receiving payments in exchange for their involvement with the group. Their statements have been recorded, and they have been referred to the judiciary in preparation for their trial to face their sentences.
The situation in Iraq has seen significant changes in recent years, particularly in relation to terrorism and the presence of US troops. The Trump administration increased the U.S. military presence in Iraq in early 2017 to combat the Islamic State, leading to the Iraqi government declaring victory over the group in December 2017. Since then, most foreign troops have withdrawn, leaving a small U.S. contingent of about 2,500 troops. These troops remain at the invitation of the Iraqi government, focusing on training, advising, and assisting the Iraqi military in combating domestic terrorism. The underlying sectarian tensions and the political landscape continue to pose challenges to Iraq’s stability and efforts to rebuild the country and prevent the resurgence of the Islamic State.
Iraq has also been a focal point for foreign fighters, particularly during the height of ISIS’s power. The flow of foreign fighters into Iraq has significantly decreased since ISIS lost control of its territories. By September 2016, the number of foreign fighters crossing the Syria-Turkey border had dropped dramatically. Despite the territorial defeat, ISIS continues to pose a threat in Iraq, reverting to insurgency tactics and orchestrating hit-and-run campaigns. Recent incidents include a bomb planted near Kirkuk in December 2022, which targeted and killed nine federal police officers.
Additionally, Iraq’s political and economic landscape has been shaped by regional and global power competitions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and social uprisings that led to a new government formation. These factors have exacerbated long-standing tensions and public distrust in the state, particularly in the south and minority communities affected by ISIS. The formation of a new government in May 2020 ended a political deadlock, but Iraq continues to face challenges in implementing critical reforms for governance and tackling corruption.
