The Iraqi National Security Agency has successfully apprehended one of the most dangerous terrorists associated with the terrorist organization ISIS in the so-called Salahuddin Province, known as “Abu Tareq.” He held the position of communication and mail transmission officer, utilizing various social media platforms for communication.
According to a statement from the agency reported by Iraq’s official news agency, “NINA,” on Monday, the captured individual confessed to being a member of ISIS and having direct links with the so-called economic officer and the commander of the Hamreen Mountains, an ISIS terrorist known as “Muntasir Al-Samarrai.” Additionally, he admitted to being involved in the transportation and logistical support of terrorist groups.
Following the initial confessions and information provided by the suspect, an airstrike was carried out on one of the terrorist elements’ hideouts in the “Jazeera Al-Hayth” area within Salahuddin Province, where eight ISIS members were located. The strike resulted in the death of several of them.
The arrest of the suspect took place in the “Tal Kesibah” region of Salahuddin Province, following outstanding intelligence and technical efforts. He has since been handed over to the relevant judicial authorities to take the necessary legal actions against him.
In a related context, the Iraqi Ministry of Interior announced the arrest of 44 individuals wanted on charges related to terrorism and criminal activities, along with the seizure of a quantity of weapons in Maysan Province.
According to a statement from the ministry, as reported by “Al-Sumaria News,” Maysan Police Command successfully apprehended these individuals based on various legal provisions. Among those arrested are three individuals charged with intentional murder, four with terrorism-related charges, and one with fraud. Additionally, three Kalashnikov rifles and two pistols were confiscated.
The operations were carried out by patrols from the police departments and police emergency units in most areas of responsibility within the province, in coordination with intelligence agencies and supporting forces.
In another development, Iraqi Justice Minister Khaled Shwani affirmed that the Iraqi government has allocated a significant part of its program for the development of the judicial system and the judiciary.
Shwani, speaking after assuming the presidency of the Arab Council of Ministers of Justice in its thirty-ninth session, according to the Iraqi News Agency, stated that the government has taken extensive steps in fulfilling its international commitments. Iraq is a party to eight international agreements and is on its way to joining the ninth.
He added that Iraq has regained its Arab status following the defeat of terrorism, and the government has adopted a balanced foreign policy by engaging with the international community. He acknowledged that our region faces serious economic, social, and security challenges, such as corruption, money laundering, and drug trafficking.
The capture of a high-ranking ISIS member in Salahuddin Province is a significant achievement in Iraq’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism. ISIS, although significantly weakened from its peak, still poses a threat in certain regions of the country. Salahuddin Province, in particular, has seen sporadic ISIS activity. The arrest of “Abu Tareq” and the subsequent airstrike on an ISIS hideout underscore the importance of intelligence operations and coordinated efforts to root out terrorism in Iraq.
Furthermore, the broader context of Iraq’s commitment to enhancing its judicial system and its international engagement highlights the country’s efforts to rebuild and stabilize after years of conflict. The focus on addressing issues like corruption, money laundering, and drug trafficking underscores the multifaceted challenges Iraq faces in its path to recovery and development.
