The Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service arrested three terrorists in Sulaymaniyah, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The Security Media Cell stated in a press release published on its Facebook page today, Saturday, that “as part of the coordination operations between the Counter-Terrorism Service, the Directorate of Operations of the Asayish (Kurdish security) of the Kurdistan Region, and the Sulaymaniyah Counter-Terrorism Regiment, the heroes of the Counter-Terrorism Service managed to arrest three terrorists in Sulaymaniyah province.”
The statement added that “the Counter-Terrorism Service, in coordination and cooperation with all security agencies, continues its specialized operations to arrest the remaining remnants of the defeated ISIS terrorist gangs.”
The security situation in Iraq remains complex and multifaceted, influenced by internal dynamics, regional tensions, and international interventions. Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS in 2017, the group continues to conduct sporadic attacks, particularly in the Diyala, Salahuddin, Nineveh, and Kirkuk provinces. These areas often see heightened activity due to their disputed status between the federal Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government.
The ongoing presence of U.S. troops, intended to support counter-terrorism efforts, has been a point of contention within Iraq. The Iraqi government, under Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, has expressed intentions to reduce and eventually end this foreign military presence, reflecting a broader desire for national sovereignty and reduced foreign influence.
Internally, the political landscape in Iraq is strained, with postponed elections and legal disputes complicating governance, particularly in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. These delays undermine public trust and complicate the political reconciliation process.
Regionally, Iraq is navigating its relationships with both the U.S. and Iran, balancing its ties amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. This delicate positioning is critical as Iraq seeks to avoid becoming a battleground for external powers while striving to stabilize and rebuild after years of conflict.