Fuel tanker fires in Kalar prompt arrest of suspect

SULAYMANIYAH — In Kalar, the center of the autonomous Garmian administration in Sulaymaniyah governorate, several fuel tankers have been set on fire over the past two weeks. Police arrested a suspect believed to be behind the most recent attacks.

Police identified the suspect by the initials B.F.H., born in 2007, after reviewing surveillance footage. “Following investigations and tracking security camera recordings, we arrested the individual responsible for burning the vehicles,” said Ali Jamal Qadouri, a spokesperson for the Garmian police.

The latest fires occurred last night near the municipality building in Kalar, and again on Tuesday on Andazyaran and Azadi Streets, where a fuel tanker and another transport vehicle were set ablaze.

A joint team comprising Kalar police, Asayish security forces, a surveillance unit, and the 104th police division conducted the investigation. “The case has been referred to the judiciary, and investigations are now underway,” Qadouri stated.

A vehicle owner affected by the fires told 964media, “We have a group chat of tankers. A video of a burning tanker was posted. I went to check on my vehicle, and by the time I got there, it was already in flames.”

Authorities have not yet revealed information on the suspect’s motive.