FILES: Counter-Terrorism Service forces during a security operation in Iraq.
Counterterrorism Service arrests two suspects in Babil and Kirkuk, destroys hideouts in Salah al-Din
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Counterterrorism Service on Monday announced the arrest of two suspected terrorists in separate operations in Babil and Kirkuk.
The service said its forces carried out two operations that resulted in “the arrest of two terrorists in the governorates of Babil and Kirkuk.”
It also conducted a large-scale search operation in Tuz Khurmatu district, Salah al-Din, lasting several hours and leading to the destruction of “eight hideouts and temporary shelters belonging to terrorist elements.”
The announcement comes as Iraq’s Justice Ministry said 5,703 Islamic State detainees transferred from Syria are currently held in Iraqi prisons, representing more than 60 nationalities.
The transfers followed clashes in northern Syria near detention facilities holding thousands of ISIS prisoners. U.S. Central Command has begun transferring detainees to Iraq.
Iraqi officials have warned that renewed violence in Syria could enable ISIS cells to regroup and attempt cross-border movement.