26 Apr 2018 | 09:15 AM UTC
Iraq: Kidnapping in Babil April 24
Vice chairman of Iraqi Olympic Committee kidnapped April 24 in Babil province and released next day
Event
On Wednesday, April 25, the vice chairman of the Iraqi Olympic Committee was released after being kidnapped the previous day in the town of Musayyib (Babil province). The abduction took place at a fake checkpoint near a bridge in the town, located south of the capital Baghdad. Four of the 20 armed men involved in the kidnapping have been arrested.
Context
Snap checkpoints and abductions perpetrated by members of local tribes have occurred in the area in the past. However, as the victim is of Kurdish origin, the involvement of a militia or a criminal gang seems more likely. Although the incident occurred in an area historically known for Sunni insurgent activity, any large-scale Islamic State operations in Musayyib seem unlikely due to the robust presence of Popular Mobilisation Forces in the district since 2014.
In 2006, a former Iraqi Olympic Committee Chairman was kidnapped in Baghdad and never found.
Advice
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
