Governor of Karbala, Nasif Jassim al-Khattabi, said in a press conference that the Al-Suqur (Falcons) intelligence group in his governorate, under the direct supervision of the Karbala Court of Inquiry, carried out an intelligence operation with a high level of confidentiality and accuracy.
As a result of the operation, 22 terrorists were arrested who were planning to carry out criminal acts, including planting roadside bombs on the route of Arbaeen pilgrims, targeting security forces and religious processions, and also attempting to poison the pilgrims’ gathering places, especially in the southern parts of the governorate, he stated, IQNA reported.
Among the thwarted operations was an attempt to target one of the Husseiniyahs (religious centers) located on the route from Karbala to Najaf, but this plan was foiled with the cooperation of judicial and security institutions, al-Khattani noted.
Those arrested had items with them that proved their terrorist intentions, and they confessed in court to their membership in the Daesh (ISIL or ISIS) terrorist group, the official said.
He went on to say that some of the terrorists were in contact with foreign parties, including an individual who was in direct contact with the Zionist regime.
The Governor of Karbala appreciated the role of the Karbala Investigation Court and the Al-Suqur intelligence group in thwarting the terrorist plot, emphasizing that security efforts will continue to protect pilgrims and provide a safe environment for Arbaeen and other religious occasions.