Five suspects arrested for cutting down ancient trees in Sulaymaniyah.

The Forest Police in Sulaymaniyah announced today, Tuesday, the arrest of five individuals accused of cutting down natural and aged trees in various areas of the province.

The Forest Police stated in a report reviewed by the Video News Agency that their forces arrested four citizens in the vicinity of the Mirgehpan area and the Yakhsamer village for cutting down 186 oak trees, aged between 15 and 30 years.

The statement added that the forces also managed to seize a number of cut natural trees in the Sitak area, while arresting a citizen on charges of tree cutting, and a case file was opened against them to take the necessary legal actions.

The Forest Police confirmed the continuation of their measures to curb violations of forest resources and to protect forests and natural trees in various areas of the province.

In August of last year, the relevant authorities in Sulaymaniyah province initiated a judicial investigation after one of the oldest oak trees in the Arabt district was broken, an incident that drew the attention of environmental bodies due to the historical and natural value represented by the tree.