Iraqi counter-terrorism forces foil suicide attack in Baghdad

Elite units launch a major offensive following a double suicide bombing in the capital last month

Members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service undergo arms training at the Special Forces Academy near Baghdad International Airport on March 19, 2018. AFP

Iraqi security forces have arrested a would-be suicide bomber in Baghdad less than two weeks after a double suicide attack in the capital killed dozens of civilians.

The National Security Service identified the arrested ISIS militant as “Inghimasi”, a term that refers to a Special Forces-style fighter who carries out an attack with firearms before blowing himself up.

He planned an attack inside Baghdad, the National Security Service said on Tuesday.

In a video published with the statement, masked Iraqi security forces can be seen carrying out a night raid, breaking into one house and arresting a male suspect.

A young man in black, believed to be in his twenties, appeared in a video vowing to attack Shiites in Baghdad while holding the trigger of what appeared to be a suicide bomb in his right hand. ISIS usually publishes videos for its suicide bombers after their attacks have been carried out.

At the end of the video, the now shaven-headed and handcuffed young man appears in a prison, wearing a yellow uniform, and sitting on the ground before the camera.

He gave his nickname as Abu Aysha Ahmed, saying he was sent from the eastern Iraqi province of Diyala to Baghdad.

Last month, a double suicide bombing was the first major attack in the Iraqi capital since January 2018.

The last attack occurred one month after Iraqis declared full victory over ISIS after more than three years of fighting.

The two suicide bombers ripped through a bustling outdoor market in central Baghdad, frequented by poor people seeking second-hand clothing and goods.

The first bomber pretended to be ill, gathering a crowd around him of people trying to help, before setting off his explosives. When people rushed to assist the wounded, the second man blew himself up.

The attacks killed 32 civilians and injured more than 100 others. Shortly after the attack, ISIS claimed responsibility for the bombings, saying Shiites were the intended target.

Days later, the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service and other security forces launched a series of military operations in remote areas, mainly in northern Iraq, to hunt down ISIS militants.

Last week, Iraqi security forces backed by air strikes from the US-led International Coalition killed the leader of the group in Iraq and its “deputy caliph”, Abu Yaser Al Issawi.

The operation took place in Wadi Al Shai, south of the northern city of Kirkuk, on Wednesday. At least 10 ISIS militants were killed.

To alleviate public anger after the Baghdad attacks, Iraqi President Barham Salih ratified 340 death sentences for people convicted of terrorism and criminal charges. Three Iraqis convicted of terrorism were hanged.

The Baghdad attacks came at a sensitive time. US troops are due to withdraw from the country and national elections are planned for October.