Baghdad police arrest motorcycle theft gang in Sha'la district

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Baghdad police have arrested a gang accused of carrying out motorcycle thefts in the Sha'la district following a targeted operation, the Karkh Crime Combat Unit said in a written statement. According to the statement, officers from the Sha'la Crime Combat Division identified the suspects after an extended intelligence and surveillance operation. A special team was set up by the Karkh Crime Combat Directorate after the group was linked to multiple theft cases. During the raid, the suspects attempted to flee from security forces, prompting an armed exchange, the statement said. Force was used within the legal framework to protect civilians, and the suspects were subdued and taken into custody. The detainees will be referred to the judiciary to face legal proceedings, the statement added. No further details on the number of those arrested or the stolen motorcycles were immediately provided.