Abu Omer has been captured by Iraqi security forces, authorities confirmed, and now the feared ISIS executioner will be brought to justice where hanging is a common punishment.
The AhlulBayt News Agency reported that Omer, known for his bushy white beard, was arrested on Friday by Iraqi security forces at a hideout identified to authorities by civilians.
Omer had appeared in numerous photographs and videos in which he took part in stoning people when Mosul was under the control of the Islamic State, the news agency said.
The Sun described Omer as one of the Islamic State's "most fearsome henchmen," saying he was present when homosexuals were thrown from the top of buildings and other victims beheaded and stoned for reported minor crimes.
The Sun claimed that in one video in March 2015 in which three men accused of homosexuality and blasphemy were publicly beheaded, Omer addressed the crowd. In another incident, a man who appeared to be Omer was seen inspecting rocks before a stoning, The Sun said.
The Daily Mail reported there are less than 1,000 Islamic State fighters in Syria and Iraq, where they once controlled huge parts of major cities. AhlulBayt said the remaining fighters continue to carry out attacks on a smaller scale on Iraqi troops.
The Daily Mail reported that almost three million Iraqis have returned from their homes since fighting has slowed in the country but more than three million remain in camps. The United Nations estimates that 40,000 homes in Mosul need to be rebuilt, which would allow some 600,000 residents to return, according to the Daily Mail.
The publication said it could cost about $100 billion to make Mosul and other areas of northern and western Iraq habitable again after three years of war destroyed much of the areas, according to Iraqi government officials.
Government officials charged that militancy could gain support again if improvements are not made in a reasonable fashion, The Daily Mail said.