Iraqi provincial officials warn of expanding ISIS activities. Local authorities cite two recent suicide attacks specifically. Anbar and Nineveh provinces face increased militant operations. The terror group is exploiting vast, remote desert terrain. This alarming development follows recent prison breaks in Syria. ISIS remnants are actively exploiting security gaps exploited there.
Anbar’s al-Rutbah district mayor detailed the clear threat. Imad Mashaal al-Dulaimi spoke about the situation Saturday. However, he stated militant activities have increased noticeably recently. ISIS fighters shelter in Anbar’s remote areas primarily. Security forces consequently intensified their counter-operations. A major incident occurred this past Saturday accordingly. Two militants detonated suicide vests during an operation. Iraqi federal security personnel sustained injuries from this attack.
Security forces also discovered a significant weapons cache. This discovery happened during a Thursday operation in Anbar. The seized arsenal included many heavy weapons indeed. Officials found anti-aircraft guns and mortar shells there. They also uncovered many explosive devices and sniper rifles. Moreover, this cache demonstrates the group’s lingering logistical capacity. The materials likely supported planned future attacks.
Nineveh officials report similar security concerns concurrently. Committee head Mohammed Jasim Kakayi explained the geography. Open desert connects Anbar and Nineveh provinces easily. This allows militant remnants to move between regions. ISIS focuses its activities in Nineveh’s Hazar area. therefore, Iraqi airstrikes recently targeted a hideout there successfully. The attack killed five to six militants importantly. A group leader named Abi Hajar Ani died.
Regional instability directly impacts Iraq’s security situation. Kakayi linked events in Syria to increased Iraqi operations. Prison breaks there created dangerous new opportunities. ISIS is clearly exploiting security gaps exploited nearby. Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji agreed previously. He warned about the group exploiting Syrian clashes openly. Several key detention facilities changed hands consequently.
The United States military offered a stark assessment recently. Up to seven thousand militants could transfer to Iraq. This potential influx prompted a major border reinforcement. Iraq deployed additional brigades along the Syrian frontier. The response includes army and border guard units now. Popular Mobilization Forces are also on high alert. They guard a roughly six hundred kilometer border zone.
This escalated activity underscores a persistent national threat. ISIS retains both operational capability and violent intent. Officials stress the need for continued vigilance absolutely. The group consistently exploits security gaps exploited regionally.
