Iraqi intelligence captures man with suspected involvement in Camp Speicher massacre

BAGHDAD — The Iraqi National Intelligence Service announced on Sunday the arrest of one of the suspects involved in the 2014 Camp Speicher massacre, following an intelligence operation conducted outside Iraq’s borders.

In a statement, the INIS said: “Through an exceptional operation, intensive follow-up, and precise intelligence efforts beyond Iraqi borders, under the supervision, monitoring, and planning of the Joint Operations Command, the Iraqi National Intelligence Service successfully apprehended a terrorist wanted by judicial warrant for involvement in the Camp Speicher massacre and the killing of innocent Iraqi civilians.”

The Camp Speicher massacre occurred on June 12, 2014, when Islamic State militants killed between 1,095 to 1,700 unarmed Iraqi Air Force cadets near Tikrit.

The statement reaffirmed a commitment to pursuing justice for the victims of one of the darkest tragedies in the ISIS era: “The pure blood of Iraqis will continue to haunt terrorists until they are brought to justice and face their rightful punishment. Our security forces and intelligence agencies will not rest until every criminal who committed such heinous crimes against innocents is held accountable.”

In the years following the massacre, Iraqi authorities have undertaken extensive efforts to bring those responsible to justice. In August 2016, 36 men were executed by hanging for their part in the massacre. In Aug. 2017, 27 people were sentenced to death for their involvement, while another 25 were released due to lack of evidence.

Mass graves have been uncovered in the Tikrit region, aiding in the identification of victims and providing crucial evidence for prosecutions.