SULAIMANI (ESTA) — The Kurdistan Region Security Service (Asayish) on Wednesday announced the result of a five-month-long manhunt operation to arrest suspects that had links with the Islamic State (ISIS) terror group in Sulaimani province.
An ISIS “emirate” was arrested by Asayish, comprising as many as 54 suspects who were operated in different areas of Sulaimani province, it said in a statement.
The terrorists were involved in numerous plots against the Region’s security, including the attack on a law enforcement checkpoint in Sulaimani’s Qaradagh district.
Back then, 8 members of law enforcement forces were wounded in Qaradagh in September this year after a gunman opened fire, throwing several hand grenades.
“The terrorists plotted to build dens and hide-outs on the border of Sulaimani, and commit terrorist acts,” the statement said. “They also sought to build an ISIS emirate in Sulaimani prison, and flee from there,” it added.
Moreover, it also revealed that several terrorists plotted to escape from the province and then join the last remnants of ISIS who are operating in the disputed territories between the Kurdish and the Iraqi governments.
However, Asayish thwarted all of the terrorists’ plots after launching a-five-month-long manhunt operation, tracking the suspects as well as initiating investigations.
The terrorists also admitted to their crimes before the judge, according to Asayish.
“Exposing all of these plots which had aimed to disrupt the tranquility of the Region was the result of Asayish members’ endeavors who always sought to protect Kurdistan and its people,” the statement continued.
