'Wanted under the Anti-Terrorism Law'

Baghdad Operations Command announces arrest of two terror suspects, uncover ISIS explosives

BAGHDAD — Baghdad Operations Command has announced the arrest of two individuals accused of terrorism during security operations in Baghdad’s Hay Al-Ilam and Hor Rajab on Tuesday.

Explosive material left by Islamic State militants was also seized in other areas of the capital, namely Tayba and Umm Al-Najm.

In a statement, the command reported that along with intelligence agencies, conducted security operations in areas surrounding Baghdad.

The operations included searches and reconnaissance efforts, which led to the capture of the suspects wanted under the Anti-Terrorism Law.

“These operations aim to enhance security and stability and preserve the achieved security gains in the villages, rural areas, and areas surrounding the capital,” the statement read.

The suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities to complete legal procedures.

The Islamic State took control of major cities like Mosul and Tikrit and declared a “caliphate” in its 2014 rampage across Iraq. Known for extreme violence and targeting minorities, the group was militarily defeated in Iraq by 2017 by Iraqi forces, Kurdish Peshmerga, and a U.S.-led international coalition. However, ISIS remnants persist as an insurgent force, conducting periodic attacks from remote regions of Iraq.

Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service reported on Monday that its forces uncovered an Islamic State hideout containing explosive materials in Anbar governorate. In a separate operation, the service detained a suspected ISIS member in Kirkuk.