Iraq increases strikes on ISIS as terrorism threat raises its head

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, October 13, 2026

Iraqi security forces have launched intensified air and ground operations against ISIS cells in Diyala and Kirkuk provinces following the withdrawal of U.S. troops to prevent the group's resurgence. These coordinated efforts reflect Baghdad's focus on closing security gaps between federal and Kurdish forces to maintain stability and protect civilians in historically contested areas.

Following the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq on September 30, the Iraqi government has intensified military actions against the Islamic State (ISIS) to prevent a resurgence of the group. Though ISIS has been significantly diminished since its peak in 2014, it remains active in scattered cells, particularly in remote and mountainous areas. Iraqi officials appear determined to prevent the group from exploiting the security vacuum left by departing foreign forces.

ISIS first rose to prominence in Iraq during a period of sectarian strife and political instability following the U.S. withdrawal in 2011. Under Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s administration, Iraq struggled with internal divisions, particularly among Sunni Arabs who opposed his Iran-aligned leadership. This dissent facilitated ISIS’s rapid expansion in 2014 when the group seized control of major cities including Mosul, Ramadi, and Fallujah, overpowering Iraqi army divisions and capturing substantial military equipment.

Today, ISIS no longer commands such widespread influence or resources. The group largely consists of aging militants and a limited number of recruits, dispersed across rural zones including the Hamrin Mountains and areas near the Hawija district. Some ISIS cells also operate near Mount Qarachogh, taking advantage of the persistent power struggle between the Iraqi federal forces and the Kurdistan Regional Government.

On Sunday, Iraq’s Security Media Cell reported that F-16 warplanes struck an ISIS hideout in the Nareen area within Diyala province, destroying the site completely. This operation was based on detailed intelligence from the Military Intelligence Directorate and coordinated with aerial reconnaissance units under the Office of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. While the statement did not explicitly name ISIS, it was clear the organization was the targeted group.

The government has also expressed concern about ISIS activity west of Kirkuk. Brigadier General Abdul Amir Al-Shammari, director of the Commander-in-Chief’s office, recently convened a meeting with senior military commanders overseeing Kirkuk operations. Discussions focused on enhancing security measures, securing borders and villages, intensifying intelligence efforts, and improving coordination among various security forces to maintain stability and protect civilians.

Reports indicate ISIS militants have carried out repeated attacks on a village in Kirkuk’s Hawija district in under 24 hours, targeting and disabling thermal imaging equipment used by Iraqi forces for nighttime surveillance. Hawija has historically been an ISIS stronghold, holding out against military efforts until Iraqi federal forces recaptured the area in October 2017.

Additionally, Iraqi security forces conducted an airborne assault on six suspected ISIS positions in Kirkuk province on Monday. The Joint Operations Command deployed troops by helicopter into the Zghaitun area as part of ongoing efforts to eliminate the group’s remaining cells nearly nine years after the government’s initial declaration of victory over the militants.

The recent increases in airstrikes, ground operations, and intelligence coordination underscore Baghdad's commitment to suppressing ISIS activity amid concerns about security gaps along the frontiers between Iraqi federal forces and Kurdish Peshmerga troops.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.