Elderly tea seller allegedly attacked, robbed by recently released prisoner

KIRKUK — An elderly tea seller in Kirkuk’s Blagh neighborhood was reportedly attacked and robbed on Wednesday morning. The victim, Abdullah, says he was struck from behind with an iron rod and robbed of 120,000 Iraqi dinars (approximately $80 USD) while setting up his stall at the Joot Qahwa market.

Security footage from a nearby camera captured the incident, and police say it helped them identify a suspect. The alleged attacker fled the scene after the robbery but was arrested within eight hours, according to the Kirkuk Police’s Anti-Crime Unit.

Kirkuk police spokesperson Amr Shwany told 964media, “The suspect, who has a criminal record, had been released from prison just eight days prior to the incident.” He added that the suspect is now in custody and will face charges.