Latest news with #Nassifal-Khattabi
Shafaq News
11-08-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraqi intelligence slams Karbala governor for jeopardizing terror probe
Shafaq News – Baghdad Karbala Governor Nassif al-Khattabi is jeopardizing months of counterterrorism work by publicly revealing details of an alleged ISIS cell during the Arbaeen pilgrimage, a senior Iraqi intelligence official stated on Sunday. Speaking to Shafaq News, the official said the early disclosure 'destroyed' ongoing intelligence efforts, exposed sensitive operational information, and gave 'a lifeline' to those behind the plot. He stressed that such investigations depend on secrecy 'even after foiling an attack,' warning that publicizing names, locations, and alleged foreign links risks compromising other operations. The source said the arrests were made several days before the governor's announcement and involved more suspects than reported. Allegations of ties to Israel's Mossad, he added, were based only on unverified confessions. On Thursday, al-Khattabi told reporters that 22 people had been detained for plotting to attack security forces, service convoys, and pilgrims, including an operation inside a husseiniya along the Karbala–Najaf road. He claimed the group was linked to both ISIS and Israel. The intelligence official argued that a simple statement confirming a foiled attack would have sufficed, adding that releasing detainees' confessions could cause further damage. He described the timing—during peak Arbaeen pilgrimage crowds—as dangerous and politically motivated, calling it 'early electioneering' that derailed three months of coordinated tracking inside and outside Iraq.
Shafaq News
08-08-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Karbala's Governor: ISIS cells linked to Israel busted
Shafaq News – Karbala A cell affiliated with ISIS and linked to foreign entities, including Israeli intelligence, was arrested in Karbala for planning terrorist attacks targeting pilgrims during 'Arbaeen', Karbala Governor Nassif al-Khattabi revealed on Thursday. p In a press conference, al-Khattabi revealed that more than 22 individuals involved in the operation were arrested. 'Their goal was to plan terrorist acts, detonate explosive devices, and target security forces and service convoys,' he added, noting that 'one of the operations took place inside a Husseiniyah on the Karbala–Najaf road.' The Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the world's largest annual religious gatherings, commemorates the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed. Millions of pilgrims travel on foot to Karbala from across Iraq and beyond to mark the occasion.
Shafaq News
05-07-2025
- Business
- Shafaq News
UN Envoy: Iraq's neutrality pave way for progress
Shafaq News - Karbala Iraq's neutrality in recent regional conflicts has positioned it for greater foreign investment and economic recovery, the United Nations' top official in the country stated on Saturday. Speaking at a joint press conference with Karbala Governor Nassif al-Khattabi, UN Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) Mohamed Al Hassan commended the city's security and cohesion, describing it as 'a living image of national unity.' While highlighting Iraq's abundant resources, the envoy emphasized its human capital, pointing to a pool of educated professionals at home and abroad—including Iraqis working at NASA. The envoy further argued that Iraq's policy of neutrality has enhanced its regional standing and shifted the national focus from conflict to reconstruction. 'With improved stability,' he said, 'Iraq is now poised to rebuild and attract international investment.'
