Armed group kidnaps young man in northern Kirkuk, search operation underway

KIRKUK, Iraq — An armed group abducted a young man on Saturday in the outskirts of Altun Kupri district in northern Kirkuk and fled toward an unknown destination, security sources said. Security forces launched a wide search operation in the area to locate the victim and identify the perpetrators. Army and police units, backed by intelligence support, are conducting sweep and search activities around the district. Initial investigation focused on the possibility that the kidnappers belonged to ISIS cells, but the lead has not yet been confirmed. The area is known to host periodic activity by terrorist cells in its farmland and valleys, prompting security forces to expand their presence. Officials have not released a formal statement on the incident, and the investigation and search efforts remain ongoing.