ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq’s National Security Service (INSS) said on Tuesday it had dismantled a key Islamic State (ISIS) cell in Anbar province, arresting senior figures and seizing weapons and explosives amid renewed concerns over militant activity in western Iraq.
“The National Security Service waged a precise intelligence battle to track a complex terrorist cell in Anbar province that sought to reorganize its ranks and plan the execution of terrorist operations,” INSS spokesperson Arshad al-Hakim said in a video message published on INSS’ Facebook page.
Hakim said an INSS counterterrorism cell and tactical regiment carried out a “qualitative operation” across a five-kilometer area, resulting in the arrest of a senior ISIS member nicknamed Abu Ayman al-Rawi, who held the position of the group’s so-called “Wali of Anbar.”
The suspect was apprehended “while wearing a suicide belt just before executing his criminal plans,” he said.
Hakim added that the operation continued with efforts to dismantle the broader network, leading to the arrest of five additional “terrorists.” Those detained included Abu al-Jais, Ghayib Awwad—responsible for transportation and logistical support—and Qusay Shaalan, who was tasked with preparing and manufacturing booby-trapped drones and managing what Hakim described as the group’s chemical file.