SULAIMANI (ESTA) — Iraqi forces carried out a joint security operation with Hashid al-Shaabi in Kirkuk province at dawn on Monday, according to the paramilitary.
The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) said its units and Iraqi federal police launched the operation to clear areas in Rashad district of Islamic State (ISIS) remnants.
The operation “aims at clearing the area from ISIS remnants and securing it completely,” it added, according to national Iraqi news agency.
Iraqi forces have increased anti-ISIS assaults in areas in Kirkuk province, following increased attacks by the militants on civilians and the security forces.
On Sunday, the Iraqi military alongside PMF launched an “inspection and security operation” in Wadi al-Kur in the province.
On July 27, the Iraqi military launched a large-scale operation against ISIS remnants in south of Kirkuk, including the areas of Wadi Zighitun and Wadi al-Shai.
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.
