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In a recent development from Iraq’s western province of Anbar, Iraqi security forces have discovered two additional bodies of Islamic State (IS) militants, bringing the total number of IS casualties from the latest military operation to 16.
The operation unfolded early Tuesday morning, beginning with an airdrop at 4:00 a.m. local time targeting IS hideouts in the Anbar desert. According to a statement from the Security Media Cell (SMC), affiliated with the Iraqi Joint Operations Command, these latest discoveries are part of an ongoing effort to dismantle IS presence in the region.
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The SMC also reported that Iraqi forces utilized helicopter gunships to destroy three trucks used by the militants. This action was part of a broader strategy that included airstrikes on August 29, which, in conjunction with US-led coalition support, resulted in the death of 14 IS militants, including key leaders.
Security Situation
While Iraq has seen improvements in its security situation since the defeat of IS in 2017, remnants of the group continue to pose a threat. They have increasingly infiltrated urban centers, deserts, and rugged terrains, executing frequent guerrilla attacks against both security forces and civilians.
In related news, a joint US-Iraqi raid last Saturday targeted suspected IS militants in the western desert, resulting in the deaths of at least 15 individuals and injuries to seven American troops. This raid, which took place on Thursday, involved militants armed with numerous weapons, grenades, and explosive belts.
The US military’s Central Command reported that the number of IS attacks in Syria and Iraq has surged this year, with IS claiming 153 attacks in the first half of 2024 compared to 121 throughout 2023.
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has further complicated the situation, as the US military presence in the region faces increased tension. Iranian-backed militias, operating under the banner of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, have launched periodic drone attacks on US bases in Iraq and Syria. These attacks are reportedly in retaliation for US support of Israel and aim to pressure American forces to withdraw from the region.
