Iraqi security forces have arrested an individual in the northern city of Kirkuk for facilitating the travel to and from Iran of insurgents belonging to the al-Mahdi Army, the armed militia of firebrand Iraqi Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

“The primary suspect detained is alleged to be responsible for transporting Jaysh al-Mahdi insurgents to Iran for training and then back into Iraq.

“He is also suspected of facilitating recruits and paying financial matters. These activities contribute to the terrorist networks that are bringing explosive devices from Iran to Iraq”, it said.