ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — In continued efforts to combat extremism in disputed areas, Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Units (ICTS) have arrested 26 wanted persons in Kirkuk who had plans to carry out explosions.
“In recent days, a number of people wanted according to Article 4 of terrorism law were arrested in the city of Kirkuk,” stated Brig. Gen. Maan Saad, the commander of the unit.
Kirkuk, a disputed area claimed by both Baghdad and Erbil, has been a hotbed of extremist activity in recent months.
“At the time of arresting these armed persons, they had carried some weapons with silencers, ammunition, two vehicles laden with explosives, and explosive belts. They had planned to carry out a number of military activities and explosions. They had carried out such acts in the past,” the statement added.
The Kurdistan Region Security Council has warned of an ISIS-style resurgence, particularly in the disputed areas where officials have acknowledged a security vacuum. Locals have been killed, kidnapped, and robbed.
There were at least four explosions in Baghdad on Sunday resulting in human casualties.
#BREAKING: Four explosions shake Baghdad on Sunday
— Rudaw English (@RudawEnglish) November 4, 2018
- Aadan Square (north) kills 2, injures 4
- Shuula (northwest) kills 1, injures 2
- Habibiyah (east) injures 5
- Turath (south) injures 3 pic.twitter.com/JdJHiNq5qp
Reports of extremist activity, arrests, and weapons seizures are reported nearly daily by Iraqi Joint Operations Command.
Then Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi declared the defeat of ISIS in December 2017.
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