Iraqi security arrests 32 ISIS elements in security operation
Iraqi security forces have arrested 32 “Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant” (ISIS) elements during a security operation in five provinces, authorities said Saturday.
The National Security Agency said that through continuous intelligence efforts and as part of its duties in pursuing the remnants of ISIS terrorist elements, the National Security Agency carried out a series of successful operations in which it managed to arrest 32 terrorism suspects.
Prominent ISIS elements active in Anbar, Nineveh, Kirkuk, Diyala and Baghdad provinces were among those arrested, the statement said.
“This came after setting up ambushes and carrying out arrest warrants,” the statement said. “The detainees’ statements were initially recorded and they were referred to the competent authorities to take the necessary measures against them.”
As part of ongoing operations, Iraqi forces are pursuing ISIS cells, mostly in remote and border areas.
Late last year, ISIS began to be active at the level of specific attacks after carrying out two attacks in Kirkuk and Diyala that killed and wounded more than 30 people, including security personnel.
Although ISIS lost the cities it overran in summer 2014 and declared its self-proclaimed state, it still challenges Iraq’s internal security and stability, launching attacks from time to time.
Iraqi authorities, however, are underestimating ISIS’s ability to threaten security with quality and dangerous operations, said Tahsin al-Khafajy, spokesman for the joint operations.
Terrorist cells are trying to create more propaganda than is the case on the ground, in an attempt to prove their ability to survive and create a threat.
The Iraqi forces have tightened their control in full over most areas that could serve as incubators for the ISIS terrorist organization. This is accomplished through pursuit operations that rely on intelligence and logistical efforts.
In 2022, 311 ISIS terrorists, including important leaders, were killed in joint operations, according to a toll compiled by the joint command.
