SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Forces launched an operation against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Qarachogh mountain in coordination with Peshmerga forces, the Iraqi military said on Thursday.
Iraqi Security Media Cell said the counter-terrorism forces launched a “special operation” in the Qarachogh mountain range, southwest of Erbil, according to Iraqi media.
The U.S.-led Coalition forces launched 30 airstrikes in the area before the Iraqi forces began the operation, the Iraqi military said in a statement.
The operation was carried out in coordination with the Peshmerga forces stationed in north of the mountain and the Iraqi army from south, the statement read.
Qarachogh mountain, located 60 kilometers southwest of Erbil, has become a safe haven for ISIS militants since Iraqi forces alongside Kurdish forces retook control of areas were once under the control of ISIS.
Recently, Iraqi security services have increased coordination with the Kurdish forces in their operation against the militant group.
The federal government announced victory over ISIS by the end of 2017 after Iraqi and Kurdish forces backed by U.S.-led Coalition regained control of areas once captured by the militant group.
Despite its defeat, ISIS still poses a threat to the security and stability of the country as there are still sleeper cells in Iraq.
