Counter Terrorism Group announces arrest of suspected ISIS affiliates in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH —  The Counter Terrorism Group announced Wednesday the arrest of several suspected ISIS-affiliated suspects in a planned operation in Sharazur area, Sulaymaniyah, it confirmed in a statement.

The operation, described as “intelligence-led,” targeted individuals from Salah Al-Din Governorate who previously held positions within ISIS during the group’s control of the region. The suspects are alleged to have participated in “multiple terrorist activities and human rights violations,” according to the statement.

“CTG forces executed a swift and precise operation, successfully capturing the suspects without casualties,” the statement said. The detainees have been transferred to the specialized court for legal proceedings.

The CTG emphasized a commitment to dismantling ISIS networks and cells, stating that it will “continue operations aimed at arresting and eliminating all terrorists and dormant ISIS cells throughout Iraq and the Kurdistan Region.”

The Islamic State emerged in 2014, seizing control of major cities such as Mosul and Tikrit while declaring a self-proclaimed “caliphate.” Known for its extreme violence and targeting of minority groups, the group was militarily defeated in Iraq by 2017 through efforts by Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and a U.S.-led coalition. Despite this defeat, ISIS remnants continue to operate as an insurgent force, launching periodic attacks from remote areas.

Iraqi Air Force F-16 fighter jets conducted airstrikes on Tuesday, targeting Islamic State hideouts and caves in the Hamrin Mountain range in Kirkuk. The operation resulted in multiple ISIS casualties.