An Iraqi airstrike in southern Kirkuk on the evening of January 9 killed an Islamic State (IS) commander and six more fighters, security sources in the Kirkuk Military Operations Command said.

The strike targeted IS positions in the Hamrin Mountains, a known hotbed of the terrorist group’s activity. The operation involved aerial bombardment, which killed seven IS members, including Abu Ubaidah, a deputy governor in the group’s hierarchy.

Security forces recovered a significant amount of equipment at the site, including an M16 rifle, a thermal imaging camera, explosive devices, four weapon caches, and six mobile phones. The operation highlights ongoing efforts by Iraqi security forces to dismantle the remaining IS infrastructure.

The Hamrin Mountains have long served as a haven for IS militants due to their rugged terrain, which provides cover for sleeper cells and logistical operations. Despite the group's territorial defeat in 2017, ISIS continues to operate across Iraq, exploiting security gaps to carry out attacks and recruit members.