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Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Iraq: Major ISIS figure arrested
Shafaq News – Nineveh Abu Salem al-Iraqi, a senior ISIS figure, was arrested in Nineveh province during an intelligence-led operation by Iraq's National Security Service, security sources told Shafaq News on Wednesday. The arrest took place in the Qatanbiyah area of Sinjar, 'after al-Iraqi was lured back into the country through a fabricated job offer arranged by the agency using one of his former acquaintances,' the sources said, adding that he had been in hiding for over a decade, using forged identities to evade capture. Preliminary investigations revealed his direct involvement in the killing of an Iraqi soldier during ISIS's large-scale offensive across the country in 2014. Meanwhile, the US-led International Coalition praised the operation in a statement, calling it a new success in intelligence and security coordination between Iraqi forces and international partners, 'as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate remaining ISIS elements.'
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Shafaq News
Iraq security sweep: ISIS operative captured, terror plot foiled
Shafaq News Below is a summary of key security and public safety incidents reported across Iraq on August 6, 2025. - Café Closed Over Morality Violation (Nineveh) Security forces shut down a café in Mosul's Cultural Group area after a video surfaced showing women dancing inside. Several individuals, including the women and café operators, were detained. The operation was conducted by the National Security Service and tourism police as part of public conduct enforcement. - Alcohol Cache Seized (Baghdad) A joint force from the Rusafa Emergency Regiments and tourism police uncovered a hidden cache of alcoholic beverages in central Baghdad. Multiple suspects were arrested and referred to Saadoun Police Station for legal procedures. - Liberian Tanker Detained (Basra) The Iraqi Navy detained a Liberian oil tanker pending document verification during a routine inspection off the coast of Basra. The vessel, carrying 250,000 tons of crude oil, remains held at the offshore loading zone. - Arbaeen Security Preparations Inspected (Baghdad) Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari inspected security deployments ahead of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, ordering increased intelligence activity and covert surveillance to protect pilgrims. - Fire Contained in Industrial Zone (Wasit) Civil defense teams contained a fire in the industrial area of Kut, which damaged several commercial shops. Investigations are ongoing. - Three Soldiers Injured in IED Explosion (Nineveh) An improvised explosive device detonated during a joint patrol in the Hatra desert, injuring three soldiers from the 43rd Army Brigade and PMF's Ansar al-Marjaiyya unit. The incident is under investigation. - Suicide Reported (West Baghdad) A member of the Personal Protection Directorate died by suicide in an apartment in the al-Mukhabarat district. The victim, originally from al-Anbar, was found hanged. Investigations are ongoing. - Life Sentence for Drug Trafficker (Dhi Qar) The Dhi Qar Criminal Court sentenced a man to life in prison after he was caught with 157 kilograms of datura, a hallucinogenic plant. The conviction was issued under Article 27/3 of Iraq's 2017 Narcotics Law. - Delivery Robbery Gang Arrested (Babil) Babil police arrested a gang that lured delivery drivers to remote areas using fake orders before robbing them at gunpoint. Weapons and stolen goods were recovered. - Theft Suspect Caught Within 24 Hours (Karbala) Karbala police arrested a man who stole 9 million dinars (around $6,873) and gold jewelry from his in-law's home after inviting him to dinner. The stolen items were recovered. - Reinforcements Deployed Amid Security Collapse (Maysan) External forces were deployed to Maysan following what local officials described as a severe security collapse, including the killing of several officers. The move followed an emergency session of the provincial council. - Three Killed in Fuel Station Shooting (Erbil) A dispute over payment at a gas station near Majidi Mall in Kurdistan Region's Erbil escalated into gunfire, leaving three people dead. A station employee was arrested at the scene. - Terror Plot Foiled (al-Sulaymaniyah) Asayish forces arrested two suspects allegedly planning to attack a civil defense facility in al-Sulaymaniyah. One suspect was employed at the site. The plan reportedly involved poisoning the water supply and planting explosives. Both are held under Article 2 of Iraq's Anti-Terrorism Law. - ISIS Member 'Abu Salem al-Iraqi' Captured (Nineveh) Abu Salem al-Iraqi, a senior ISIS operative, was captured in a covert operation in Qatanbiyah, Sinjar, after being lured back to Iraq with a fake job offer, according to security sources. He is accused of executing an Iraqi soldier during the 2014 ISIS invasion and had spent more than a decade evading arrest by using false identities.
Shafaq News
02-08-2025
- Shafaq News
Iraq on high alert: Arbaeen security, high-profile arrests
Shafaq News Below is a summary of key security and public safety incidents reported across Iraq on August 1, 2025. Security Forces on High Alert for Arbaeen (Karbala/Najaf): Iraqi forces will enter a state of high alert early next week as the Arbaeen security plan goes into effect across Baghdad and the provinces starting August 4. Arbaeen Travel Advisory Issued (Karbala/Najaf): The Supreme Security Committee for Mass Pilgrimages urged drivers to avoid speeding, inspect vehicles before travel, and carry fire extinguishers, citing rising temperatures and increased risk of vehicle breakdowns or fires. Drivers showing signs of fatigue were advised not to continue; bus operators must assign backup drivers. Intelligence Chief Dismissed After Armed Tribal Display (Najaf): Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari removed Major General Maytham al-Masoudi from his post as head of Najaf intelligence following a murder and a subsequent tribal show of arms in the city center. Crystal Meth and Handgun Seized at Checkpoint (Baghdad): Baghdad's Second Sadr District patrols arrested two suspects, (A.S.A) and (H.A.A), after stopping a suspicious motorcycle. One was masked at the time of arrest. Officers found several bags containing approximately 50 grams of crystal meth and an unlicensed handgun. Former Saddam-Era Security Officer Arrested (Baghdad): Iraq's National Security Service apprehended Ajaj Ahmed Hardan, known as 'Hajjaj of Nukhaib Prison,' a former regime officer long believed dead. He was one of the most wanted figures from Saddam Hussein's era and served as a notorious security officer at Nukhaib Prison. No ban on Syrians with valid visas (Baghdad) Iraq's Interior Ministry confirmed that Syrian nationals holding valid visas for tourism or religious purposes continue to be admitted under existing entry procedures. Reports alleging denial of entry to Syrian travelers were dismissed.
Shafaq News
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Linked to prison atrocities: Iraq arrests former regime officer
Shafaq News – Baghdad On Friday, Iraq's National Security Service announced the arrest of Ajaj Ahmad Hardan, known as 'Hajjaj Nagra al-Salman,' a former intelligence officer accused of grave human rights violations under Saddam Hussein's regime. The operation followed a six-month intelligence effort by security units in al-Muthanna and southern Saladin. Despite longstanding claims by his family that he was dead, investigators successfully tracked his movements and captured him in Saladin province. During the Baath era, Hardan held several senior posts, including roles in al-Rumaitha, al-Najmi, al-Hilal, al-Basiyah, and finally at Nagra al-Salman prison, where he oversaw operations. Officials say he also participated in mass executions and the burial of victims in collective graves. He is accused of torture, rape, and extrajudicial killings at the prison, particularly targeting Kurds forcibly relocated to al-Muthanna during the dictatorship.
Shafaq News
31-07-2025
- Shafaq News
Security sweep: Iraq reports drug busts, killings, and unrest in one day
Shafaq News Below is a summary of key security and public safety incidents reported across Iraq on July 31, 2025. • Cross-Border Drug Network Dismantled (Basra): Iraq's National Security Service in Basra dismantled a transnational drug trafficking ring involving 11 individuals. Large quantities of narcotics were seized during the coordinated operation. • High-Profile Drug Trafficker Attempts Suicide in Detention (Najaf): A detainee wanted under Iraq's anti-narcotics law (Article 27 of Law 50/2017) attempted suicide using a shard of broken glass. He was transferred in critical condition to Al-Sadr Hospital in Najaf. • Soldier's Body Found (Saladin): Security forces in Tuz Khurmatu arrested a suspect accused of killing an Iraqi soldier whose body was found after he went missing several days earlier. The victim was from Baghdad. Preliminary findings indicate the motive was not related to terrorism. • Young Man Shot and Buried (Al-Diwaniyah): A man's body was discovered in the Al-Shinafiyah desert, four days after he was reported missing. The suspect confessed to killing him over a financial dispute. Legal proceedings are underway. • Civil Unrest & Local Instability (Maysan): -A tribal clash erupted in Al-Kahla, requiring intervention by security forces. -A men's clothing shop in Hay al-Shuhada was riddled with bullets and set on fire. -A house fire in Hay al-Shurta was brought under control by civil defense teams. No casualties were reported in either fire. • Witchcraft Suspects Arrested (Al-Anbar): Eight people were arrested for practicing witchcraft and sorcery during a coordinated campaign involving Al-Anbar police and the judiciary. • Child Drowns in Tigris River (Nineveh): A 12-year-old boy drowned while swimming in the Rashidiya area north of Mosul. River police recovered his body hours later. • AIDS-Related Death (Kirkuk:) A 52-year-old woman died in a Kirkuk medical facility after being admitted with advanced-stage AIDS. Authorities confirmed that all infection control protocols were followed and no risk was posed to medical staff or other patients. • Retired Army Colonel Killed in Traffic Accident (Diyala): A retired Iraqi army colonel was killed after being struck by a speeding motorcycle in the 7 Nissan area of Baqubah. The motorcyclist sustained injuries and was taken to the hospital. Police transferred the colonel's body to the forensic medicine department.
