Iraqi intelligence arrests ISIS suspect using forged documents to enter Iraq

KIRKUK — Iraqi intelligence agents arrested a suspected ISIS member who entered in Kirkuk who they say entered the country using falsified documents, authorities announced Monday.

The Intelligence and Federal Investigations Agency said in a statement that its specialized counterterrorism units, in coordination with the Iraqi National Intelligence Service, targeted the individual in a coordinated operation.

“As part of ongoing efforts to eliminate the remnants of ISIS, our teams in Kirkuk arrested a terrorist attempting to enter Iraqi territory with falsified identification,” the statement read. “His identity was confirmed, and he was taken into custody.”

According to the statement, the suspect admitted during interrogation to belonging to the so-called Wilayat Kirkuk faction of ISIS. He also confessed to targeting security personnel and participating in attacks against Iraqi forces during the battle for liberation.

At the height of its power, ISIS organized its territory into multiple wilayats, or provinces, such as Anbar, Nineveh and Dijlah, which served as military, logistical and governance hubs. Anbar, in particular, was essential for managing border crossings and supply routes.

Authorities said the suspect’s statements have been officially recorded in court, and he has been referred to the judiciary for further legal action.