Five ISIS Members Killed in Iraqi Airstrike in Kirkuk  

Iraqi security forces search for ISIS terrorists in June. (AFP)
Iraqi security forces search for ISIS terrorists in June. (AFP)
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Five ISIS Members Killed in Iraqi Airstrike in Kirkuk  

Iraqi security forces search for ISIS terrorists in June. (AFP)
Iraqi security forces search for ISIS terrorists in June. (AFP)

Five ISIS terrorists were killed during a swift air raid in Kirkuk (250 kilometers north of Baghdad), revealed an Iraqi military statement on Tuesday.

Additionally, two other individuals were apprehended in the same city through a well-executed ambush, the statement added.

“The intelligence personnel of the Counter-Terrorism Bureau have, after relentless efforts, successfully identified the group responsible for the terrorist attack that targeted a military convoy on the road connecting the Mullah Abdullah and Riyad districts in Kirkuk,” continued the statement.

The terrorist attack had resulted in the death and injury of several Iraqi security forces.

“In a daring raid, we successfully crushed five members of the terrorist group, seizing their weapons and equipment to serve as a lesson to the remnants of ISIS,” continued the statement.

“Our operations target the remnants of the terrorist gangs of ISIS, employing tactics that align with the nature and methods of the threat,” it affirmed.

In a related development, the Federal Intelligence and Investigation Agency of the Ministry of Interior announced on Tuesday the arrest of “two terrorists” who were operating within the so-called “Diwan of Soldiers and Islamic Police” in Kirkuk.

“Based on accurate intelligence, the agency’s units in Kirkuk province successfully apprehended two wanted individuals” according to the Anti-Terrorism Law, read a statement by the Agency.

The arrest happened after “tracking and luring the outlaws into a well-planned ambush,” with the suspects confessing to their affiliation to ISIS as part of the so-called “Diwan of Soldiers and Islamic Police.”

They admitted to receiving training and financial support in exchange for carrying out terrorist activities.

The suspects also confessed to “participating in combat operations against the security forces, notably in the liberation battles and the battles in Qat Alas, Al-Ajeel, and Al-Ajilat.”

The statement indicated that “their confessions were documented, and they were referred to the relevant authorities to receive just punishment.”



Uncertainty Surrounds Fate of Burhan-Hemedti Meeting in Kampala

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese army, and Rapid Support Forces chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (File Photo)
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese army, and Rapid Support Forces chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (File Photo)
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Uncertainty Surrounds Fate of Burhan-Hemedti Meeting in Kampala

General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese army, and Rapid Support Forces chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (File Photo)
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, leader of the Sudanese army, and Rapid Support Forces chief Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (File Photo)

Sudanese politicians expect an imminent meeting between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Kampala in response to an African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council decision and an invitation from a committee led by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and African regional leaders.

The meeting aims to unite General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan of the army and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, known as “Hemedti,” of the RSF.

There’s been silence from army leaders despite the announcement over a week ago, suggesting a division within the army between those wanting to end the war and those preferring its continuation, reportedly with support from militant Islamist factions.

The AU Peace and Security Council decision on June 21 established a committee chaired by Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni to facilitate direct communication between Sudanese army leaders and the RSF.

Despite over a week passing since the AU’s decision, the Sudanese army and interim government have not responded, maintaining their usual silence in such situations.

Political analyst and lawyer Hatem Elias told Asharq Al-Awsat that “there appears to be a divergence between political and military decisions within the army, influenced significantly by Islamist factions.”

“Accepting Museveni’s invitation could potentially lead to a confrontation with these factions,” warned Elias.

Elias suggested that the silence might be due to “concerns within the army leadership about a risky clash with Islamist elements.”

Moreover, the army rejects AU initiatives, citing Sudan’s suspended membership.

Museveni’s initiative isn't the first African attempt to reconcile Sudan’s army and the RSF.

On December 11, 2023, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) announced a planned meeting between Burhan and Hemedti, which was later postponed.

The army, on December 27 of that year, stated Djibouti, IGAD’s chair, notified them of the delay just a day before the meeting. Since then, the army has accused the RSF leader of stalling and ignoring calls to halt Sudan’s destruction.

The army rejects similar arrangements and insists on continuing fighting until the RSF is disbanded. Meanwhile, the RSF leader advocates for peace talks and readiness to engage in discussions to end hostilities.