Islamic State mufti released for bribe in Mosul
Islamic State militants (representational photo)
Zuheir al-Jabouri, spokesperson of the mobilization forces in Nineveh, confirmed IS mufti’s release, indicating similar cases of releasing the terrorists due to corruption.
Speaking to Ain al-Iraq News website, Jabouri said, “I was there in Mosul, when police troops arrested him. After I inquired, I was told that he was IS mufti in western Mosul.”
Jabouri added that he was then released in return for US$7,000.
The mufti, known as Abu Omar, was one of the militants who intimidated the residents. He was famous for stoning people to death.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi declared in July victory iover IS militants who had held Mosul, the second largest Iraqi city since 2014. More than 25,000 Islamic State militants were killed throughout the campaign. Earlier this month, Abadi announced full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring end of war against IS members.
Iraqi forces, backed by a U.S.-led coalition and paramilitary troops, have been fighting since October 2016 to retake territories Islamic State had occupied.
The war against IS has displaced nearly five million people, with tens of thousands of civilians and militants killed since the launch of the offensives to recapture occupied cities.