Iraqi security announce capture of four wanted terrorists in Diyala

Diyala (Iraqinews.com) – Iraqi security forces arrested on Friday four people who are wanted on terror charges in Iraq’s Diyala, a military commander said.

Speaking to Alghad Press, Commander of Diyala Operations Maj. Gen. Mazhar al-Azzawi said, “Iraqi troops managed during a specific operation to arrest four people who are wanted on terror changes pursuant to article no. 4 of the anti-terrorism law.”

The arrests were made in different parts of Diyala, according to the commander.

He added that the terrorists were moved to a detention center for interrogation.

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 Islamic State membership.

Diyala province has seen months of fighting between Iraqi troops and Islamic State militants, especially in the Jalawla and Saadiyah areas in the province’s north and areas near the town of Muqdadiyah.

In January 2015, Iraqi forces announced liberation of Diyala province from Islamic State extremist militants who proclaimed an “Islamic Caliphate” in Iraq and Syria in 2014.

Despite the group’s crushing defeat at its main havens across Iraq last year, 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.