Iraqi intelligence arrest four Islamic State terrorists in Diyala
Paramilitary fighters and military vehicles are seen during a military operation to retake positions held by Islamic State militants, on the outskirts of Muqdadiyah in Diyala province, north of Baghdad January 25, 2015. Picture taken January 25, 2015. REUTERS
Diyala (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi military intelligence forces arrested on Saturday four Islamic State terrorists during a military operation in Diyala province.
In a press statement, the Iraqi Military Intelligence Directorate said that its troops have arrested four members of the Islamic State terrorist group in Diyala province, including a fugitive who was sentenced to death in absentia for committing terrorist acts.
Their arrest was based on intelligence reports, the statement read.
Iraq’s anti-terrorism law empowers courts to convict people who are believed to have helped jihadists even if they are not accused of carrying out attacks.
Experts estimate that Iraq is holding 20,000 people in jail over suspected IS membership. However, there is no official figure with the Iraqi government declining to provide estimates about the number of the foreign detained militants or those who have Arab or Iraqi origins.