Iraqi intelligence announces targeting ISIS in Kirkuk
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The Joint Operations Command in Iraq continues to target ISIS terrorists, going after them in Kirkuk Governorate this time.
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Iraq's elite counterterrorism forces gather ahead of an operation to retake the city of Fallujah in May, 2016 (Associated Press)
The Iraqi Military Intelligence announced on Wednesday that Iraqi fighter jets carried out two airstrikes targeting ISIS militants in Wadi Zghitoun, Kirkuk Governorate.
The Joint Operations Command said in a statement, "Based on accurate information from the Military Intelligence Directorate and in coordination with the execution unit of the Joint Operations Command, the Air Force was able to destroy a hideout of ISIS gangs with an airstrike by F-16 aircraft in Wadi Zghitoun within Kirkuk Operations Command."
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani announced on Monday that Iraq no longer required the presence of foreign combat units to combat the threat of the Islamic State (ISIS). The Prime Minister's statement came during a meeting with military commanders, where he emphasized the nation's new phase of self-reliance in its fight against terrorism.
"Presently, Iraq does not require the presence of foreign combat units within its borders. We are engaged in ongoing discussions with our international coalition partners to chart the course for future cooperation and collaboration against the ISIS menace," stated Prime Minister Al-Sudani.
The shift marks a turning point in Iraq's security strategy and demonstrates the nation's increasing capacity to handle its security concerns independently. Iraq now seeks to bolster its domestic security apparatus while maintaining close ties with its international allies.
Earlier this month, the Security Media Cell in Iraq reported that the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service forces had carried out a series of operations in separate regions of the country, which resulted in the arrest of 8 terrorists in different Iraqi regions. The Counter-Terrorism Service also arrested other members in the provinces of Kirkuk and Anbar.
On July 27, the Iraqi National Intelligence Service carried out a security operation and arrested the terrorist Abd Al-Khaliq Khazal Sultan, who joined ISIS in 2013, and he is one of the leaders of ISIS involved in the Tikrit Air Academy massacre, which is also known as the "Speicher" massacre.
8 years have passed since the Tikrit Air Academy massacre, which is also known as the "#Speicher" massacre, where ISIS slaughtered between 1200 to 1,700 military cadets. #Iraq pic.twitter.com/BmKHf26ZoP
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) June 13, 2022
Last June, the Iraqi military intelligence told Al Mayadeen that "the Iraqi army's Air Force targeted ISIS terrorists in the Hamrin mountain range in eastern Iraq, finalizing phase five of Operation "Swords of Righteousness" that it launched in the Iraqi governorates.
Read more: UN: ISIS remains a persistent threat in Iraq, Syria, & beyond
