Iraqi Air Force Strikes ISIS Positions in Hamrin Mountains

An Iraqi military force in a previous operation to pursue ISIS in Salahuddin, Diyala, and Samarra (Iraqi News Agency)
An Iraqi military force in a previous operation to pursue ISIS in Salahuddin, Diyala, and Samarra (Iraqi News Agency)
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Iraqi Air Force Strikes ISIS Positions in Hamrin Mountains

An Iraqi military force in a previous operation to pursue ISIS in Salahuddin, Diyala, and Samarra (Iraqi News Agency)
An Iraqi military force in a previous operation to pursue ISIS in Salahuddin, Diyala, and Samarra (Iraqi News Agency)

The Iraqi Security Media Cell reported on Friday that an aerial strike by F-16 aircraft in Mount Hamrin, near the border of Kirkuk and Salahuddin governorates, killed three ISIS militants.

In a statement, the cell said the operation was executed with “high-level coordination” between the Counter-Terrorism Service and the Joint Operations Command.

A force from the Counter-Terrorism Service’s Kirkuk regiment, assisted by technical and reconnaissance support from the Joint Operations Command, proceeded to inspect the site of the strike.

They discovered the bodies of three ISIS militants and seized light weapons, ammunition, explosives, and two explosive belts. They also found several destroyed weapons, equipment, communication devices, and various logistical materials.

This comes at a time when Baha Araji, an Iraqi official, announced that a deal has been reached with Washington to end the US-led international coalition’s operations in Iraq.

The official stated that this decision comes after careful consideration and discussions that have been ongoing since February.

The announcement was made on a televised broadcast, where Araji highlighted the significance of this move, emphasizing the longstanding ties between Iraq and the US.

This decision marks the end of a cooperative phase that began with the coalition’s establishment.

Additionally, it was mentioned that Iraqi forces have taken control of several areas, maintaining security and stability. Araji underscored that this transition reflects Iraq’s growing capabilities and sovereignty.

This development follows the recent interactions between Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani and US representatives, aimed at redefining the future relationship between Baghdad and Washington.



2 Attacks Northwest of Yemen's Mokha Cause Minor Damage to Vessel

Houthi supporters attend a rally against the US and Israel in Sanaa, Yemen, on Friday, July 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)
Houthi supporters attend a rally against the US and Israel in Sanaa, Yemen, on Friday, July 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)
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2 Attacks Northwest of Yemen's Mokha Cause Minor Damage to Vessel

Houthi supporters attend a rally against the US and Israel in Sanaa, Yemen, on Friday, July 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)
Houthi supporters attend a rally against the US and Israel in Sanaa, Yemen, on Friday, July 19, 2024. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrahman)

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Saturday it had received a report of two attacks on a vessel 64 nautical miles northwest of Yemen's Mokha, causing slight damage to a vessel.
The captain of the vessel reported "two attacks: the first by an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS), which exploded in close proximity to the vessel, resulting in minor damage; the second by an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV), which also exploded in close proximity to the vessel."

The captain has "subsequently reported further UAS sightings," adding that "both the vessel and the crew are safe".

Reuters earlier reported a separate incident from UKMTO that occurred 83 nautical miles southeast of Yemen's Aden late on Friday. That incident was still under investigation, UKMTO said.

Yemen's Houthi militias hit and damaged a Singapore-flagged container ship with two missiles on Friday.

The Iran-backed Houthis say they're pressuring Israel and the international community to halt the devastating war in Gaza.