SULAIMANI (ESTA) — A large-scale joint operation to search for suspected Islamic State (ISIS) positions in southern Sulaimani was carried out by the Kurdish forces in Monday’s early hours.
The operation was conducted by the Kurdistan Security Service, Commando Forces, the Counter-Terrorism Group (CTG), and the 711th brigade of the command forces 70.
It covered areas in Sangaw, searching for suspected ISIS positions in the foothills of Ashdakh Mountain, according to a statement.
The Coalition forces joined the operation from the air, backing the Kurdish forces on the ground, the statement added.
There was no exchange of fire and no confrontation was reported.
The forces said that the operation was aimed to reassure Sangaw residents’ skeptics over suspected ISIS movement in the area, however, they addressed their concerns, confirming the area’s security.
Large-scale op to search for suspected ISIS positions was carried out by #Kurdistan Security Service, CTG, Commando forces, & 711th brigade of Command forces 70 in southern Sulaimani, Sangaw area, in coordination with #Coalition forces during Monday's early hours. #TwitterKurds pic.twitter.com/XqHptEEleJ
— Esta Media Network (@Esta__English) January 2, 2023
ISIS took over vast swathes of Iraq in 2014. The group was declared territorially defeated in 2017, but since losing its last significant piece of territories it has resorted to guerrilla attacks.
Its remaining thousands of militants have in recent years mostly hid out in remote hinterlands though they are still capable of carrying out insurgent-style attacks.
