The Directorate of Military Intelligence in Iraq announced yesterday the arrest of three ISIS members south of Baghdad. According to the directorate’s statement, the arrests were made possible through precise intelligence operations conducted by the military intelligence units. The operations targeted the Rashid and Yusufiya districts and the Skhrijah area, resulting in the capture of three terrorists wanted by the Iraqi judiciary under Article 4/Terrorism.
In other news, protests and demonstrations by unemployed graduates resumed in the Dhi Qar governorate in southern Iraq, demanding job opportunities. Protesters who are upset with the current situation have closed the building of the oil products distribution company in Dhi Qar, demanding employment on par with their peers. The protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands for approximately 5,000 job appointments, which have been approved by the Prime Minister, are met. They threatened an open sit-in in front of the oil company building if their demands are not fulfilled.
Over the years, the Iraqi provinces have witnessed protests by thousands of unemployed graduates demanding fair treatment by the government, job opportunities in public and private sectors, and support for small and medium-sized projects to address the unemployment crisis.
The presence of ISIS in Iraq remains a significant concern in 2024, despite substantial defeats in the past. The group has escalated its activities this year, claiming 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first half of the year alone. This marks a significant increase compared to previous years and indicates that ISIS is actively attempting to rebuild its capabilities.
U.S. and coalition forces continue to conduct operations to counter these threats. From January to June 2024, numerous missions were carried out, resulting in the deaths of 44 ISIS operatives and the detention of 166 others. These operations also targeted senior ISIS leaders, further impairing the group’s operational capabilities.
Despite these efforts, the ongoing challenge is the large number of ISIS fighters still at large, estimated to be around 2,500 across Iraq and Syria. The international community is also focusing on handling over 9,000 ISIS detainees in Syria, emphasizing the need for their repatriation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
