Iraqi authorities announced Sunday the launch of three security operations against ISIS remnants in the western Anbar, northern Nineveh and Salahuddin and eastern Diyala provinces.
“The first operation was launched southwest of the al-Rutba district in Anbar, the second was launched west of Tharthar city in Salahuddin and the third was launched south of the Hatra district in Nineveh,” said a Defense Ministry statement.
The operations aim at pursuing ISIS remnants, clearing Iraqi territories and combating all forms of crimes to create a safe environment in the country.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) also announced the launch of a security operation in the Hamrin Mountains in Diyala (65 km east of Baghdad).
A statement by the PMF said the operation was organized in coordination with the Diyala Army Operations Command and the Air Force.
“The operation targets pursuing ISIS remnants and eliminating their hideouts in these areas where they have carried out attacks on security forces and civilians,” it continued.
ISIS operative have intensified their attacks against Iraqi forces in recent weeks, especially in the border area separating Iraq from the Kurdistan Region.
A high-level military delegation, headed by the Deputy Commander of the Joint Operations Command for Iraq Lieutenant General Abdul Amir al-Shammari, had arrived in Diyala to supervise the operations, including the one in Hamrin.
The operations were kicked off three days before the deadline for the withdrawal of US forces from Iraq.
Iraq declared a military victory over ISIS in late 2017, three years after the terrorist group swept through the country.
Despite the victory, the group still has operatives that continue to carry out sporadic attacks in the country.
