Update on Islamic State activities in Iraq

In July, the security situation in certain districts of Iraq remained difficult, mainly due to the activities of the Islamic State (IS) terrorists. The tense situation persisted in the north of the country in areas close to the border with Turkey.

On July 1, IS fighters carried out three attacks near the Arar border crossing point on the border with Saudi Arabia.

On July 6, Iraqi military intelligence confiscated a cache of weapons and equipment belonging to IS in the northern province of Ninewa.

On July 13, the Iraqi National Intelligence Service announced the arrest of Abu Jamal, who served as a “Sharia Judge” in the Islamic State. Abu Jamal has issued numerous fatwas (religious injunctions) inciting attacks on the national security forces.

Iraqi security forces arrested two terrorists on July 17, in Kirkuk and south of Baghdad.

On July 18, the Iraqi Security Service reported the elimination of five IS members in the northern province of Kirkuk and the seizure of their weapons and equipment.

On July 25, security forces prevented an explosion near Kirkuk Airport and arrested a suspect believed to be involved in the incident. Security forces defused the explosives that the suicide bomber had with him. On the same day, in Diyala province northeast of Baghdad, the security service arrested a “dangerous” IS member. He faces several charges, including murder, illegal transfer of weapons and money to the Islamic State, involvement in human trafficking and illegal dealing in human organs.

At the same time, special attention is paid to improving the technical capabilities of the troops, providing them with modern and efficient models of weapons and military equipment, and improving the quality of training of various categories of servicemen.

In this matter, the main emphasis is on obtaining the necessary and possibly greater foreign military and military-technical assistance. It should also be emphasized here that the severe economic crisis that hit Iraq and financial difficulties led to a noticeable reduction in military spending, which negatively affects the state of the army.

The ongoing confrontation between various groups and clans within the Iraqi leadership also has a negative impact on the situation in the armed forces and other power structures.

In general, today, as demonstrated by the outcomes of military and special operations against Islamic State, the combat effectiveness of the Iraqi armed forces, Shia militias and Kurdish Peshmerga forces is still not high enough, despite the noticeable progress.