Dozens of terrorist suspects detained in Iraq in a week

Iraqi security forces have announced the capture of at least 86 terrorist suspects in the past week alone, amid a nationwide effort to root out the remnants of terrorist networks.

“The total number of members of terrorist groups arrested between July 13 and 20 this year has reached 86 terrorists,” Iraqi News Agency reported on July 22, citing security officials. “Last week, Federal Investigation and Intelligence Agency forces seized 126 various weapons, 12 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and located three hideouts during multiple security operations.”

The remnants of the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group take refuge in caves and swamps, occupying strategic positions in the countryside and on the outskirts of cities. They are paying particular attention to the disputed territories, exploiting security holes that emerged after the pro-Iranian militia Hashd al-Shaabi took control of those areas in 2017.

The continued presence of IS fighters poses a serious security problem for both Erbil and Baghdad. According to security sources, the militants are especially active at night, attacking and kidnapping civilians in remote areas.