The Iraqi National Intelligence Service announced that six ISIS members were killed in an airstrike conducted by F-16 aircraft targeting a terrorist cell in Kirkuk province, 250 km north of Baghdad.
The intelligence service stated in a press release that “through technical effort, surveillance, and planning by the targeting cell in the Joint Operations Command, the Air Force carried out three painful strikes today using F-16 aircraft, resulting in the death of a terrorist cell consisting of six ISIS elements.”
The presence of ISIS in Iraq remains a significant security concern, despite their territorial defeat in 2017. In recent years, ISIS has continued to operate through sleeper cells, carrying out attacks across Iraq and Syria. Recent military actions have included significant joint operations by Iraqi and U.S. forces targeting ISIS leadership and infrastructure. For instance, a recent raid in Iraq’s western desert resulted in the death of a senior ISIS commander and disrupted the group’s operational capabilities.
Furthermore, the United States maintains a military presence in Iraq, primarily aimed at preventing a resurgence of ISIS. This continued presence is seen as crucial not only for combating ISIS but also for maintaining regional stability and countering other regional threats, such as Iranian influence. Ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Iraq focus on transitioning the nature of this security cooperation, reflecting the evolving threat posed by ISIS and the broader strategic needs of both nations.
