Arrest over Shirgat restaurant poisoning that affected nearly 300 people

SALAH AL-DIN — A man has been arrested over the poisoning of nearly 300 people at a restaurant in Shirgat on Monday, after a pest-control substance was put into its drinking water tank, a member of the Salah al-Din Governorate Council said.

Yasin Mohammed, who heads the council’s health committee, told 964media that the National Security Service identified and detained the suspect after surveillance and preliminary investigations, and that he confessed under initial questioning, telling investigators he acted out of jealousy and revenge after the restaurant grew successful. Investigators established that a toxic substance used for pest control had been put into the drinking water tank, he said.

Initial reports put the number affected at about 80 before the figure rose to nearly 300. Most have been discharged after treatment and 48 remain under observation, Mohammed said, adding that the suspect would be referred to court once investigative procedures are complete.

The National Security Service has not commented publicly on the arrest, and no charges have been announced.