Iraqi security forces foil prison break north of Baghdad

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi security forces on Saturday foiled an escape attempt by three prisoners sentenced to life in jail north of Baghdad. One of the escapees was shot dead, according to an Iraqi military statement.

The three prisoners were serving life sentences on terror-related charges in al-Taji prison, north of the capital. Security forces issued a warning and then opened fire on the three as they tried to escape, the Security Media Cell said.

One of the prisoners was shot dead and the two others turned themselves in.

Iraq’s prisons hold thousands of people on terror offenses, most affiliated with Islamic State (ISIS) and al-Qaeda. The Iraqi government has repeatedly refused to reveal the exact number of ISIS members and terror offenders held in its prisons, what proportion are women and minors, or the nature of the charges against them.

There have been multiple prison breaks by terror convicts across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. In August 2019, ISIS militants were among 15 prisoners who broke out of Rusafa prison in Baghdad. In December 2018, 21 prisoners, including ISIS members, reportedly escaped from a detention facility in Sulaimani. In May 2018, seven inmates died and several more were wounded in a fire following an attempted prison break in Duhok.

In May 2020, ISIS vowed to break out its members jailed in Iraq.

Iraqi security forces foil prison break north of Baghdad

Iraqi premier pledges reforms, security shift at UN assembly

Iraq says dismantled crude oil smuggling network

Iraq, Kurdistan Region suspend Iranian flights amid US sanctions

Related Articles

Iraqi premier pledges reforms, security shift at UN assembly

Iraq says dismantled crude oil smuggling network

Iraq, Kurdistan Region suspend Iranian flights amid US sanctions