Police arrest suspect in bombing of Mansouriya Al-Jabal school principal’s home

DIYALA – Diyala Governorate police announced Monday they arrested a suspect in connection with a bombing that targeted the home of Nihad Abdul Ridha Ahmed Al-Bayati, principal of Yusuf Al-Sadiq Secondary School for Boys in Mansouriya Al-Jabal.

In a statement, Diyala Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mohammed Kazem Atiya said, “The individual responsible for the detonation of an explosive device in front of the home of an educational staff member in Mansouriya has been arrested.” He added that a specialized security team detained the suspect under Article 345 of the Penal Code, which addresses explosives-related offenses.

The bombing, which occurred Sunday, caused no injuries, and authorities have not yet commented on a possible motive behind the attack.

Atiya stressed the importance of protecting both citizens and educational staff. “Complete protection will be provided for citizens and educational personnel. Acts of aggression will be punished by law,” he said.

The Diyala branch of the Teachers’ Union condemned the incident, calling it a “criminal act targeting educational staff.” Union chairman Mohammed Ali Haidar Al-Jubouri and members of the administrative board expressed their disapproval, saying, “The Diyala Teachers’ Union strongly condemns this criminal act targeting educational staff working in the field of education.”

The union demanded an “immediate investigation to identify the perpetrators and hold them accountable under the law.” It also called on authorities to implement “enhanced security measures around educational institutions and the homes of those working in the sector to ensure their safety and the continuation of the educational process without disruption.”