Iraq says airborne raid in Syria arrested two wanted by Iraqi judiciary

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Security Media Cell said Thursday an intelligence-led operation in northeastern Syria resulted in the arrest of two suspects wanted by the Iraqi judiciary.

In a statement, the cell said the raid involved an airborne landing carried out by the Interior Ministry’s Falcon Intelligence Cell, in coordination with Syrian security forces and with technical support from the international coalition, under the direction of the commander in chief of the armed forces.

“Under the direction and follow-up of the respected commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and through a specialized operation by the men of the Falcon Intelligence Cell within the Federal Intelligence and Investigations Agency at the Interior Ministry, an airborne force from this heroic unit, in coordination with Syrian security forces and with technical support and backing from the international coalition, carried out an air landing on two important targets wanted by the Iraqi judiciary in northeastern Syria inside Syrian territory and arrested them,” the statement said.

The Security Media Cell said the operation reflects Iraq’s ability to confront cross-border security threats.

“These distinguished operations carried out by the heroes of the security forces strengthen states’ ability to confront transnational security threats and protect national interests,” the statement said.

Other outlets reported the operation as part of broader Iraqi coordination in Syria. Al Arabiya Al Hadath cited an Iraqi security source as saying the airborne landing was carried out in coordination with Syrian authorities. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported coalition-backed Internal Security Forces operations near the Syrian-Iraqi border in Hasakah countryside.