Up to an estimated 200 locals, mostly young men, did this but many of them have in fact reported to Iraqi Kurdistan's version of secret police, the Asayesh. All of these young men are now under surveillance for fear that the militant groups may try and contact them again.
The relative of one of these men told NIQASH that this local, who came back from Syria eight months ago, has been questioned by the Asayesh many times and that the house is being watched. “That is even though he [the young man] has absolutely nothing to do with any extremist groups anymore,” the relative said. “He returned to Iraqi Kurdistan after just a month away and he had totally changed his mind about jihad.”
Additionally, a source inside the local security forces, said that Iraqi Kurdistan's secret police were also watching local mosques closely. Religious classes and discussion groups, outside of regular prayer times and sermons, had been banned for the time being.
ISIS is a threat to Sulaymaniyah but it is not that close, the provincial authorities say. They are just taking precautions. “I want to reassure citizens that they will be well protected,” deputy mayor Mohammed says. “Citizens are going to be safe but they must also cooperate with us as we will not be able to maintain security by ourselves if citizens don't play their part.”
Comments are closed.