BAGHDAD, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- Iraq's National Security Service (INSS) announced on Tuesday the capture of a senior Islamic State (IS) leader following a high-level intelligence operation that spanned more than 10 months.

The militant, known by the aliases "Abu Aliya" and later "Abu Mustafa," was apprehended upon returning from a neighboring country, the INSS said in a statement. He was listed among the leadership of several terrorist organizations and considered a high-risk operative.

According to the statement, the suspect's involvement in terrorist activities dates back to 2004, when he joined al-Qaeda in Baghdad. He specialized in preparing improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and led a five-member cell that carried out attacks across the capital. During his time in Baghdad, he reportedly delivered over 100 explosive devices and directly participated in operations targeting multiple areas of the city.

The INSS highlighted his expertise in executing "double-bombings," a tactic designed to strike security forces and first responders at the site of an initial explosion.

The militant fled Iraq after the defeat of IS and remained in hiding abroad for several years.

The INSS said his arrest marks a significant blow to remaining IS elements and underscores the agency's ongoing efforts to track and dismantle terrorist networks. Enditem