Iraq arrests senior ISIS figure, dismantles cell in Anbar
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s National Security Service (INSS) said on Tuesday it had dismantled a key Islamic State (ISIS) cell in Anbar province, arresting senior figures and seizing weapons and explosives amid renewed concerns over militant activity in western Iraq.
“The National Security Service waged a precise intelligence battle to track a complex terrorist cell in Anbar province that sought to reorganize its ranks and plan the execution of terrorist operations,” INSS spokesperson Arshad al-Hakim said in a video message published on INSS’ Facebook page.
Hakim said an INSS counterterrorism cell and tactical regiment carried out a “qualitative operation” across a five-kilometer area, resulting in the arrest of a senior ISIS member nicknamed Abu Ayman al-Rawi, who held the position of the group’s so-called “Wali of Anbar.”
The suspect was apprehended “while wearing a suicide belt just before executing his criminal plans,” he said.
Hakim added that the operation continued with efforts to dismantle the broader network, leading to the arrest of five additional “terrorists.” Those detained included Abu al-Jais, Ghayib Awwad—responsible for transportation and logistical support—and Qusay Shaalan, who was tasked with preparing and manufacturing booby-trapped drones and managing what Hakim described as the group’s chemical file.
The spokesperson said the INSS also conducted “an extensive combing operation” in the Rutba desert that lasted several days, resulting in the seizure of weapons and ammunition caches, explosive devices, suicide belts, and military and logistical equipment prepared for imminent attacks.
During the operation, security forces discovered “a terrorist hideout containing the so-called ‘Anbar Security Official’ nicknamed Abu Hussein al-Fahdawi and two of his companions,” Hakim said. “After being besieged, the terrorists detonated themselves.”
The arrests come amid growing concern among Iraqi officials in Anbar and Nineveh provinces over renewed ISIS activity. Authorities have warned that the group is attempting to exploit security gaps in neighboring Syria following clashes in January between Damascus-affiliated armed groups and Kurdish-led forces, during which ISIS detainees escaped from several detention facilities.
Iraq has transferred 4,583 jailed ISIS militants into the country by air and land as part of an ongoing operation coordinated with the US-led international coalition, Iraqi Security Media Cell spokesperson Saad Maan told AFP on Tuesday.
“The National Security Service waged a precise intelligence battle to track a complex terrorist cell in Anbar province that sought to reorganize its ranks and plan the execution of terrorist operations,” INSS spokesperson Arshad al-Hakim said in a video message published on INSS’ Facebook page.
Hakim said an INSS counterterrorism cell and tactical regiment carried out a “qualitative operation” across a five-kilometer area, resulting in the arrest of a senior ISIS member nicknamed Abu Ayman al-Rawi, who held the position of the group’s so-called “Wali of Anbar.”
The suspect was apprehended “while wearing a suicide belt just before executing his criminal plans,” he said.
Hakim added that the operation continued with efforts to dismantle the broader network, leading to the arrest of five additional “terrorists.” Those detained included Abu al-Jais, Ghayib Awwad—responsible for transportation and logistical support—and Qusay Shaalan, who was tasked with preparing and manufacturing booby-trapped drones and managing what Hakim described as the group’s chemical file.
The spokesperson said the INSS also conducted “an extensive combing operation” in the Rutba desert that lasted several days, resulting in the seizure of weapons and ammunition caches, explosive devices, suicide belts, and military and logistical equipment prepared for imminent attacks.
During the operation, security forces discovered “a terrorist hideout containing the so-called ‘Anbar Security Official’ nicknamed Abu Hussein al-Fahdawi and two of his companions,” Hakim said. “After being besieged, the terrorists detonated themselves.”
The arrests come amid growing concern among Iraqi officials in Anbar and Nineveh provinces over renewed ISIS activity. Authorities have warned that the group is attempting to exploit security gaps in neighboring Syria following clashes in January between Damascus-affiliated armed groups and Kurdish-led forces, during which ISIS detainees escaped from several detention facilities.
Iraq has transferred 4,583 jailed ISIS militants into the country by air and land as part of an ongoing operation coordinated with the US-led international coalition, Iraqi Security Media Cell spokesperson Saad Maan told AFP on Tuesday.