Peshmerga, Iraqi forces complete 'successful' anti-ISIS operation in disputed Kirkuk

Mustafa Shilani 2022/02/07 23:08

Brigadier Othman Mohammed, Director of Information and National Awareness at the Ministry of Peshmerga. (Photo: Kurdistan 24)

Kurdistan Kurdistan Iraq ISIS Disputed Terrftories

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The Kurdistan Region's Peshmerga and Iraqi security forces conducted a "successful" combing operation in rural parts of the disputed Kirkuk province on Monday, the Peshmerga Ministry said in a statement.

The troops "cleared" the operation's designated area completely, the ministry added, noting the campaign came after a series of meetings between Peshmerga and Iraqi army officials, aiming to fill lapses in security in the territories disputed between the Erbil and Baghdad governments.

"Once again," the US-led coalition said on Twitter, the global alliance's Iraqi and Peshmerga "partners demonstrate their commitment & serve as a unifying force to help Iraq achieve long-term success in keeping its territory & people secure."

It also affirmed the anti-ISIS campaign "continues."

Once again our #ISF/#Peshmerga partners demonstrate their commitment & serve as a unifying force to help Iraq achieve long-term success in keeping its territory & people secure. Our anti-Daesh campaign continues & we are #StrongerTogether. #AdviseAssistEnable https://t.co/GpzsIyEa90
— Inherent Resolve (@CJTFOIR) February 7, 2022

Dubbed "Solid Will," the forces targeted areas with suspected ISIS hideouts from several axes, said Iraq's military communications center, Security Media Cell, in a statement. The army aimed to "hunt down ISIS terrorist remnants and wanted persons."

The Iraqi Air Force and the US-led coalition's aircraft also participated in the operation, it added.