The search continues for the kidnapped activist in Nasiriyah, a security source said

Shafaq News/ A security source stated that the security forces continued on Tuesday the search for the activist Sajjad Al-Iraqi in Dhi Qar Governorate by verifying "specific targets".

The source told Shafaq News agency, "the search for Sajjad continues in the eastern regions of Dhi Qar, including Sayed Dakhil, Al-Islah and the surrounding villages".

 The source added, "the units have reached specific goals that are being verified".

 On Monday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi dispatched a special anti-terrorism force backed by the army's air force to search for Sajjad, who was kidnapped on Saturday evening by unknown persons in the city of Nasiriyah.

The Iraqi security forces in Dhi Qar governorate imposed a siege on Sayed Dakhil district (east of Nasiriyah) with the aim of liberating Sajjad.

 A local official told Shafaq News agency on Monday, "the kidnapping party whose members belong to a faction in Al-Hashd Al-Shaabi pledged to release Sajjad, in exchange for the security forces not storming the area".

 Since Saturday night, demonstrators in Nasiriyah stormed the streets threatening to raise the roof if Sajjad is not freed and the captors revealed.

Dhi Qar Police Command disclosed the location of the kidnapped activist after he was taken to an unknown destination by gunmen in two four-wheel vehicles. Another activist was wounded in the incident.

Multiple Iraqi activists have been assassinated or kidnapped by unknown gunmen since the beginning of the protests against the current political system accused of corruption and following external agendas, last October.

 Al-Kadhimi's government has repeatedly pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice. However, none were brought to justice, while attacks against activists continue.