Calgary father charged with abduction after returning from Iraq alone, without 11-year-old child

Calgary police are asking the public for help in locating a 11-year-old child, who is believed to have been abducted by her father during an overseas trip and leftin Iraq.

Ali Al Aazawi, 38, has been charged under a Canada-wide warrant with one count of parental child abduction.

On June 16, 2018, Aazawi and his 11-year-old daughter Zahraa travelled from Calgary to Egypt, police said.

She was supposed to return to Canada on Sept. 5, 2018, according to a travel agreement between her parents, but while she's had limited contact with her mother while overseas, she hasn't returned.

Aazawi returned alone to Canada on April 4 and was arrested at the Toronto airport. He's being transported to Calgary to face charges.

Police say it's believed Zahraais now in Iraq, possibly with her father's family.

Investigators are asking the public, and especially members of Calgary's Iraqi community, to share any information that could help bring the 11-year-old girl home to her mother.

Girl's safety not believed to be at risk

"We have several challenges, language challenges, cultural challenges, legal challenges," saidSgt. Curtis McMurphyof the domestic conflict unitduring a press conference Wednesday.

McMurphy said the father has not been cooperative, and there has been minimal cooperation from the family.

He said there's no reason to believe the girl's safety is at risk.

Anyone withinformation on her whereabouts can call police non-emergency at 403-266-1234, or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.