Iraqi security forces arrested members of the Daesh terrorist group and discovered a warehouse belonging to them in the north of Iraq, in the province of Nineveh.
A source in the Iraqi security forces told Sputnik that “the Department of Intelligence and Counter-Terrorism in the province of Nineveh arrested members of Daesh in the area of al-Maidan in the old city of western Mosul.”
The source added that there were “bombs, mortars, and suicide belts”, according to Sputnik.
Earlier, a mass grave containing the bodies of 20 tortured women was found in Nineveh, a city on the outskirts of Mosul in northern Iraq.
“Relics of 20 women were found inside a mass grave while removing debris in western Mosul,” police official Omar al-Hajjar said, Iraqi News reported.
“[The women] were executed by the so-called Islamic State as they were trying to escape toward the eastern side of the city during the liberation offensives last year,” Hajjar added.
Iraq FM affirms necessity of cooperation with Syria in combating terrorism
Meantime, SANA reported that Iraqi Foreign Minister Ibrahim al-Jaafari affirmed the necessity of cooperation between Syria and Iraq in the field of combating terrorism.
In a special statement to SANA on Wednesday, al-Jaafari noted to the strong relations between the two brotherly countries.
He added that Iraq highly appreciate Syria which hosted the Iraqi refugees and political forces.
Russia helps Baghdad to ensure security, Iraqi foreign minister says
Al-Jaafari told reporters that Moscow and Baghdad exchange information on a regular basis and Iraq is receiving assistance from Russia in ensuring security.
“It is difficult for a country to be restored after the war alone,” the minister said. “Russia is providing support for us.”
“We are exchanging information, and Russia is also providing assistance in security area,” he noted, according to Itar Tass.
H.M