Iraqi counter-terrorism unit says it captured ISIS 'general bombing chief' in Sulaymaniyah

SULAYMANIYAH, Iraq — Iraq's Counter-Terrorism Service said three Islamic State (ISIS) members, including the group's "general bombing chief," were detained in a joint operation with Kurdistan Region Asayish forces in Sulaymaniyah. The service said the suspect directed ISIS bombing operations in Saladin province and was arrested in Sulaymaniyah following coordination with Asayish. In a separate statement, the Counter-Terrorism Service said two additional ISIS members were arrested in Anbar and Nineveh provinces. It also reported that a series of mud-brick villages and shelters containing war remnants linked to the group were being searched in the Wadi Zaytun area of Kirkuk. The service described the detained "general bombing chief" as the figure responsible for attacks and explosive devices, saying his capture is expected to serve as a key source of information in ongoing investigations into the group's structure in Saladin. No further details on the detainees or the operations were immediately available.