Iraqi security forces arrest Islamic State’s judge in Kirkuk

Federal police forces have arrested a judge of the Islamic State group and 15 more wanted criminals during different security operations in southwestern Kirkuk, a security source was quoted saying.

“Acting upon a tip-off, security forces arrested a judge who was working for Islamic State in Tal al-Zahab village in southwestern Kirkuk,” the source told Iraqi website Baghdad Today.

According to the source, “the troops also apprehended 15 suspects in different areas in Kirkuk.”

“The security forces found three bombs and stormed four hotbeds of Islamic State in the province,” added the source.

Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks across Iraq against troops. Security reports indicate that the militant group still poses a threat against stability in the country.

Kirkuk officials previously urged reinforcing military troops in the south and west of the province, as the region still has Islamic State members who escaped during liberation of Hawija to remote areas.

The Islamic State group appeared on the international scene in 2014 when it seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, declaring the establishment of an Islamic “caliphate” from Mosul city.

Later on, the group has become notorious for its brutality, including mass killings, abductions and beheadings, prompting the U.S. to lead an international coalition to destroy it.

Source: Iraqi News