Iraq has launched a major operation to eliminate ISIS hideouts in Diyala province. The operation seeks to prevent ISIS from regaining influence in rural areas. Security forces coordinated a large-scale mission along two main operational axes. The forces focused on riverine and forested areas south of Diyala province.
Iraqi Army units and Federal Police actively participated in search and containment efforts. Troops advanced through forests and agricultural belts of Abu Karma and al-Mukhaysa. Therefore, authorities emphasized the mission’s importance to prevent ISIS hideouts from resurfacing violently. Furthermore, the Popular Mobilization Forces announced the operation is progressing steadily and achieving goals.
The operation aims to dismantle insurgent networks lingering in Diyala’s remote regions. Iraqi counterterrorism officials stressed intelligence-led efforts to locate ISIS hideouts efficiently. Although ISIS lost formal territorial control in 2017, insurgents continue to operate secretly. Diyala, Kirkuk, Saladin, and Anbar remain primary provinces where ISIS exist.
Officials noted that rural terrain provides militants cover for regrouping and planning attacks. Joint Operations Command highlighted that counterterrorism raids killed many senior ISIS operatives last year. In January, security forces detained a senior figure linked to the group’s finances. Also, authorities warned that ISIS hideouts still pose threats to civilian and military areas.
Security analysts stressed continuous operations are crucial for maintaining long-term regional stability. The Diyala operation demonstrates Iraqi forces’ commitment to counterterrorism and public safety. Therefore, troop coordination between army, police, and local militias strengthened operational effectiveness significantly. Officials stated that ongoing operations will target all known ISIS hideouts systematically.
The mission reflects Iraq’s broader strategy to disrupt insurgent networks efficiently nationwide. Military leaders encouraged locals to cooperate with security forces during the Diyala operations. The operation also included reconnaissance and intelligence collection to anticipate ISIS hideouts’ movements. Authorities plan follow-up actions to ensure militants cannot rebuild their former networks.
The current effort illustrates a proactive approach to counterterrorism in eastern Iraq. Iraqi officials reaffirmed commitment to eliminating ISIS hideouts completely from Diyala province.
