Iraqi forces detain Iran-linked agent in northern city

Iran Focus: London, Jun. 18 – Iraqi security forces have arrested an individual in the northern city of Kirkuk for facilitating the travel to and from Iran of insurgents belonging to the al-Mahdi Army, the armed militia of firebrand Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. Iran Focus

London, Jun. 18 – Iraqi security forces have arrested an individual in the northern city of Kirkuk for facilitating the travel to and from Iran of insurgents belonging to the al-Mahdi Army, the armed militia of firebrand Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

“Iraqi Security Forces conducted an early-morning ground-assault raid and detained an alleged facilitator of terrorist networks between Iraq and Iran in southwest Kirkuk June 16”, the Multi-National Corps – Iraq (MNC-I) said in a statement.

“With coalition advisers present for support, Iraqi Forces raided the residence in southwest Kirkuk and detained their primary target without incident.

“The primary suspect detained is alleged to be responsible for transporting Jaysh al-Mahdi insurgents to Iran for training and then back into Iraq.

“He is also suspected of facilitating recruits and paying financial matters. These activities contribute to the terrorist networks that are bringing explosive devices from Iran to Iraq”, it said.