Iraqi Security Forces confiscate weapons and arrest ISIS suspects in Kerkeslokh (Kirkuk) Governorate

KERKESLOKH, Iraq — The Iraqi Security Media Cell announced the arrest of a suspected Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist who is thought to have participated in transporting 50 car bombs into Salah al-Din Governorate, according to intelligence information.

The Security Media Cell added that after interrogating him it was found that he had worked with the Emir of the Wilayat of Salah al-Din and with terrorist cells in Biji Distric, to target members of the Security Forces since 2014.

This comes days after the Federal Police Forces found eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and eight explosive belts in Kerkeslokh (Kirkuk), inaddition to a mortar launcher and three drones.

Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim al-Araji stressed that Iraq still needs the support of the U.S.-led International Coalition, specifically in the way of air support, supply, and training. He stressed that Iraq does not need foreign combat forces.

Al-Araji added that the NATO forces and the Italian police are providing training to the Iraqi police forces and the various security services.

With regard to the district of Shigur (Shengal), and the agreement concluded months ago which would see local government positions staffed by people locals, al-Araji declared that the Iraqi government is determined to make the agreement a success and that 2,500 people from the district have been trained with the purpose of handing over the district security dossier to them.