Suspect arrested in connection with killing of Basra anti-crime officer

BAGHDAD — Iraqi authorities have arrested the suspected gunman in the killing of Maj. Hussein Asaad Abu Risha, an officer with the Basra Anti-Crime Division, the Interior Ministry said Wednesday.

The ministry said a joint team from several Interior Ministry departments uncovered the circumstances of the killing through intelligence work, surveillance footage analysis and evidence collection. The suspect confessed to the killing during preliminary and judicial questioning, and a crime scene reconstruction “fully matched his confession,” the ministry said. Two armored vehicles and weapons were seized during the operation.

Abu Risha was shot and killed in the Al-Asmaei area of Basra less than two weeks ago. On May 31, the Interior Ministry formed a specialized investigative team and Senior Undersecretary Hussein al-Awadi ordered security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.

The ministry said Wednesday it “will not be lenient with any crime that affects security or targets its heroic personnel” and would pursue anyone who undermines security “until they receive their fair punishment.”