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.



Lebanon Awaits UNIFIL Extension Draft, Seeks No Amendments

A UNIFIL patrol in the town of Barj al-Muluk in southern Lebanon (DPA)
A UNIFIL patrol in the town of Barj al-Muluk in southern Lebanon (DPA)
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Lebanon Awaits UNIFIL Extension Draft, Seeks No Amendments

A UNIFIL patrol in the town of Barj al-Muluk in southern Lebanon (DPA)
A UNIFIL patrol in the town of Barj al-Muluk in southern Lebanon (DPA)

Lebanon is awaiting a draft resolution from France to extend the UN peacekeeping mission in the south (UNIFIL) without changes, amid talks with key international powers to support its request for an extension.

The UN Security Council is expected to renew UNIFIL’s mandate in late August, as it has annually since Resolution 1701 was adopted in 2006 after a 33-day war between Lebanon and Israel.

Lebanon wants the extension without amendments, while Israel seeks more powers for the peacekeepers, including access to restricted areas in southern Lebanon.

Diplomatic sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdullah Bou Habib, currently in New York, has held numerous meetings with key stakeholders regarding Lebanese affairs.

The sources, who requested anonymity, said Lebanon is awaiting a draft resolution prepared by France, the penholder on this issue.

France usually drafts the resolution and presents it to the UN Security Council (UNSC), which sometimes makes changes.

In 2022, for example, the UNSC allowed UNIFIL to operate without coordinating with the Lebanese Army, which led to criticism.

In 2023, Lebanon opposed this change, arguing it did not reflect the need for UNIFIL to work with the Lebanese government and military as required by the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA).

Recently, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met with Russian Special Envoy Vladimir Safronkov to discuss Lebanon and regional issues, including Israeli actions in Lebanon and Gaza.

As Lebanon negotiates the extension of UNIFIL’s mandate, it has not yet received any international messages about potential amendments, despite reports of Israeli demands that Lebanon opposes.

This extension comes amid ongoing conflict that began on Oct. 8, when Hezbollah started supporting Gaza from southern Lebanon.

Retired Lebanese Army Gen. Abdul Rahman Shehaitly, former head of Lebanon's delegation to the Tripartite Committee (Lebanon, Israel, and UNIFIL), views international acceptance of the UNIFIL extension as a “very positive development amid the ongoing war.”

He explained that it signals no expansion of the conflict and underscores that stability in the south remains a priority for the participating countries.

He added that the mere presence of UNIFIL and the lack of any withdrawals “provides assurances that the conflict will not escalate.”