ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS) forces carried out a large-scale security sweep in Nineveh province on Sunday, destroying a cache of deteriorated munitions uncovered during an intelligence-led operation aimed at preventing Islamic State (ISIS) remnants from regrouping.
The operation took place in Bartella subdistrict of Hamdaniya district in Nineveh province, where ICTS units launched a search "within the framework of preemptive efforts to pursue the remnants of ISIS terrorist gangs and enhance security and stability in the province.”
The ICTS said forces found damaged military materials, including rockets of various types, landmines, mortar rounds, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The explosives were safely treated and destroyed at the site without incident.
The latest operation comes as Iraqi and Kurdistan Region security forces continue intelligence-led operations against ISIS sleeper cells, particularly in provinces that were once strongholds of the militant group, including Nineveh, Kirkuk, Salahaddin, and Anbar.
Iraqi authorities have stepped up search operations and targeted raids in recent months to prevent the group from rebuilding its networks.
The ICTS said the search was part of its "ongoing security plans to maintain stability and raise the level of readiness across different operational sectors."
Although ISIS was territorially defeated in Iraq in late 2017, the group continues to operate through sleeper cells.
On Friday, the ICTS announced the arrest of two alleged ISIS members in separate operations in Sulaimani and the destruction of five ISIS hideouts in Kirkuk.
Earlier last week, Iraqi forces also arrested a senior ISIS figure known as "Abu Noor," who was accused of serving as a military checkpoint commander during an intelligence-led operation west of Baghdad.
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