Arrest warrant issued for man who cut down 300-year-old tree in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq — Police in Sulaymaniyah issued an arrest warrant for a man who cut down an approximately 300-year-old monumental tree in the Duhok district to obtain honey from a beehive inside it, the provincial Forest and Environment Police said. Investigators said a pickup truck was captured on security cameras near the site and that officers are working to determine the vehicle's connection to the incident. An investigating judge ordered the suspect's arrest, and authorities said those who damage forests and the environment will face strict legal action. In a separate figure, the Forest and Environment Police said 388 people were detained during the first half of the year on charges including illegal hunting, tree cutting and other environmental violations. Officials said environmental protection operations will continue and the investigation remains open. No further details on the suspect's identity were immediately available.