Boy, 14, arrested for killing of 5-year-old sister

DIYALA — Police in Diyala have arrested a 14-year-old boy accused of killing his 5-year-old sister, Ruqayya, just three hours after she was reported missing in Baqubah’s Tahrir neighborhood, authorities said.

According to a statement from the Diyala Police Command, officers launched a search after receiving the disappearance report. Surveillance footage and a search of the area led to the discovery of Ruqayya’s body inside an unfinished building site. Police described the killing as “brutal.”

Investigators identified the girl’s brother as a suspect after gathering evidence and conducting interviews. He later confessed during questioning, according to the statement.

Authorities said the suspect was detained and that legal proceedings are underway. The case will proceed through judicial channels.

The killing has shocked the local community. In its statement, police described Ruqayya as being “in the spring of her sixth year.” The investigation remains ongoing.