CTG Apprehends Terrorist Suspects in Kirkuk

PUKMEDIA

CTG's logo.

The Kurdistan's Counter-Terrorism Group (CTG) announced on Sunday, 11 May 2025, the arrest of several terrorist suspects in Kirkuk on Sunday, following a coordinated operation with Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS).

In an official statement, the CTG said: “Based on precise intelligence, the General Directorate of Counter-Terrorism, in coordination with the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, carried out a joint operation in Kirkuk province.”

According to the statement, the operation resulted in the apprehension of multiple individuals linked to the Islamic State (ISIS). The detainees are believed to be affiliated with dormant ISIS cells and were reportedly involved in transporting equipment and logistical support to the group’s remaining armed elements.

Authorities also seized a cache of weapons, ammunition, mobile phones, and SIM cards that were allegedly used for communication with other ISIS operatives. The suspects were transferred to the relevant judicial authorities following initial interrogations.

ISIS captured large parts of Iraq in 2014 and declared a self-styled “caliphate,” leading to widespread violence and mass displacement. Although Iraq declared victory over the group in 2017, ISIS remnants remain active, particularly in disputed territories between the federal government in Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

These areas—including parts of Kirkuk, Nineveh, Diyala, and Saladin provinces—continue to face threats from ISIS elements who engage in ambushes, kidnappings, and extortion targeting both civilians and security personnel.

Iraqi and Kurdish security forces regularly carry out joint operations aimed at eradicating these remaining terrorist networks.



PUKMEDIA