Iraqi, Kurdish security forces arrest six ISIS leaders in joint operations
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi security forces announced on Monday the arrest of six alleged leaders of the Islamic State (ISIS) group during operations conducted in joint coordination with the Kurdistan Region's security forces, also praising the cooperation between both parties.
Six reported ISIS leaders across numerous Iraqi provinces were arrested as a result of joint efforts between the federal and regional security forces, a statement from the Iraqi counter-terrorism service (CTS) read.
The Iraqi CTS also commended the scale of coordination between them and the Kurdistan Region's counter-terrorism directorate, saying "the joint coordination between the two parties has reached its highest possible levels."
One of the suspects detained ranks "at the top of the names" in the wanted list for terrorism and "occupies a very important position" in the jihadist organization, according to the statement. The suspect was arrested in Erbil.
The US-led coalition commended the joint efforts taken by Iraqi and Kurdish security forces on Monday.
Recently, the joint efforts delivered by @IraqiCTS & KRI Security Agencies has led to the arrest of 6 Daesh leaders, said @IraqiSpoxMOD.
— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) June 6, 2022
Examples like these demonstrate our Iraqi partners' tireless effort & commitment to keeping Iraq safe & secure. Well Done! #StrongerTogether https://t.co/7LVYtdFEds
Iraqi intelligence forces on Sunday arrested 14 alleged ISIS militants across several districts in Baghdad, including “prominent leaders," state media reported.
On Wednesday, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces handed over 50 ISIS members to Iraq, the second time this year since another identical handover took place in January.
ISIS formerly controlled vast areas of Iraq in 2014, but the jihadists became fully devoid of territorial control in 2017. While the group lost complete territorial control, it still continues to pose security risks through abductions, hit-and-run attacks, and bombings. ISIS remnants are particularly active in the security vacuum in areas of northern Iraq disputed between Erbil and Baghdad, stretching across several provinces including Kirkuk, Salahaddin, and Diyala.
In its propaganda magazine on Thursday, ISIS claimed to have conducted 13 attacks in Iraq from May 26 to May 31, killing and injuring 14 people.