Iraqi security: 13 terrorists apprehended in Mosul military crackdown
Iraqi security forces arrest a suspected member of the Islamic State group
Nineveh (Iraqinews.com) – Iraqi security forces arrested on Tuesday 13 terrorists in a military operation in Mosul city as local security forces continue launching manhunts nationwide in search of dormant terrorist cells.
“A force from Iraqi intelligence’s 20th brigade managed to arrest a 13-strong terrorist cell in Hawi al-Kanisa area in northern Mosul,” Brig. Gen. Yahya Rasool, the spokesman for the security media center, said in a statement, a copy of which was obtained by Alsumaria News.
“The operation was launched upon accurate intelligence reports following a consonant follow-up of the terrorist cell,” Rasool pointed out.
Thousands of Islamic State militants as well as Iraqi civilians were killed since a government campaign, backed by paramilitary troops and a U.S.-ed international coalition was launched in October 2016 to fight the militant group, which declared a self-styled “caliphate” from Mosul in June 2014.
Despite the group’s crushing defeat at its main havens across Iraq last December, Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks against troops with security reports warning that the militant group still poses a threat against stability in the country.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced, in December, full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.