Syrian suspect confesses to Akitu festival attack

Shafaq News/ On Thursday, the Kurdistan Region Security Council arrested a Syrian national in connection with the April 1 attack on the Akitu festival in Duhok province.

The council identified the suspect as 22-year-old Louay Abdulrahim Ramadan, also known as Abu Juhaiman al-Baghuzzi, and confirmed that he has been referred to the judiciary as part of an ongoing formal investigation.

No further details were provided regarding additional suspects.

Arrested earlier this month in Duhok city, Ramadan admitted to executing the assault using a machete and knives during the annual celebration, driven by extremist ideology. Preliminary findings indicate that the attack was carried out under directives from ISIS, the statement added.

The Akitu festival, an ancient Assyrian New Year celebration, draws large crowds annually in northern Iraq.