Asayish Arrests Three Suspected ISIS Terrorists in Sulaymaniyah

PUKMEDIA

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The Kurdistan Region Security Agency (Asayish) announced on Friday, 23 May 2025, the arrest of three individuals suspected of involvement with the Islamic State (ISIS) in the Sulaymaniyah Governorate.

According to a statement released by the General Directorate of Asayish Operations, and obtained by PUKMEDIA, the arrests were made during three separate operations conducted between 6 and 21 May 2025. The operations were carried out following the receipt of intelligence information and judicial authorisation to initiate a security investigation.

"Following detailed surveillance, coordination of intelligence, and the identification of the suspects' locations, our forces successfully apprehended three ISIS operatives in separate areas within central Sulaymaniyah, Chamchamal, and Sharazwr districts of Sulaymaniyah province," the statement read. "The individuals were wanted by the courts and were formerly active members of the ISIS terrorist organisation."

The detainees have been charged under Article 4 of the Anti-Terrorism Law. Legal procedures and investigations into their cases are currently ongoing.

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