Blindfolded detainees stand against a wall after their arrest by security forces in Maysan, according to the Iraqi Ministry of Defense.
Defense ministry says suspects arrested following killing of soldier in Maysan
MAYSAN — Iraq’s Ministry of Defense on Saturday said security forces arrested four suspects accused of killing a soldier and injuring another during a firefight in the Kahlaa area of the Maysan Operations Sector, stressing it “will not hesitate with anyone who tries to disturb the stable security environment.”
In a statement, the ministry said an army unit had launched an unannounced inspection operation and set up a surprise checkpoint in Kahlaa when “a pickup truck carrying four people approached, and when forces attempted to stop it, the vehicle refused to comply and changed direction suddenly.”
Security forces pursued the vehicle, and “the suspected individuals began shooting toward the force,” the ministry said, killing one soldier and wounding another. Troops then cordoned off the area, arrested the occupants and seized their weapons and the pickup.
Initial investigations found the vehicle “was carrying individuals who intended to target a citizen from the Kahlaa area,” according to the statement.
The ministry said it “will not hesitate with anyone who tries to disturb the stable security environment enjoyed by the people of Iraq and will pursue anyone who attempts to carry out acts outside the law.”
Officials say the case underscores ongoing problems linked to the spread of weapons among civilians. On May 27, 2025, the National Security Service reported the death of Ali Zghair, a photographer with its tactical unit in Basra, during a raid on a suspected weapons storage site that followed an arms dealer’s confession about a facility holding more than 90 hand grenades.