BAGHDAD, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Iraqi military had arrested a senior leader of the Islamic State (IS) group in the northern province of Kirkuk, the Security Media Cell, affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, said in a statement on Sunday.
The suspect, known as "Abu Sahir," was detained during a preemptive operation in Kirkuk, following precise intelligence tracking, read the statement.
Intelligence indicates that the arrested IS member held several leadership positions in the western province of Anbar during the group's control over parts of the region.
The suspect has been referred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings, the statement added.
While Iraq declared victory over IS in 2017, the group's remnants continue to carry out attacks against security forces and civilians in cities, deserts and remote areas. Authorities have intensified aerial and ground campaigns against suspected IS militants. ■
