Iraqi court sentences Nineveh militant to death over vehicle-rigging cell

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Iraq’s National Security Service said a militant known as “Abu Mohammed” was captured in an operation in Nineveh province and sentenced to death by an Iraqi court for running a mobile workshop that armored vehicles and fitted them with explosives for terrorist groups. In a written statement, the agency said intelligence work and field surveillance led to the suspect’s arrest in Mosul, where he operated the workshop on behalf of militant organizations. During questioning, he confessed to reinforcing vehicles used by the groups and equipping them with explosive devices, and acknowledged adopting takfiri ideology, the statement said. After the investigation concluded, Iraqi courts handed down a death sentence under the country’s counterterrorism law, citing the suspect’s logistical support to militant groups and the crimes committed. The verdict was issued following the completion of judicial proceedings. The National Security Service said the investigation into the broader cell responsible for preparing vehicles for militant use is ongoing. No further details on the case were immediately available.