Peshmerga forces and Iraqi counter-terrorism units killed a number of ISIS militants in a unique military operation, supported by the global coalition. It led to the destruction of 13 ISIS hideouts and tunnels. It was the first operation of its kind after the formation of joint coordination centers between Kurdish and Iraqi forces in disputed areas.
"It was a qualitative operation, and its significance was that Iraqi counterterrorism forces carried out the operation with Peshmerga forces in coordination with the coalition," Sheikh Jaafar Sheikh Mustafa told Rudaw on Monday.
He added that the destroyed hideouts "included plenty of goods such as weapons, explosives and food. Most importantly, there was a massive factory, which had various types of machines and a huge generator, used for several years for making IEDs, TNT and others. They apparently sent these [explosives] elsewhere."
No Kurdish nor Iraqi forces personnel were harmed during the operation, according to the official.
The Peshmerga ministry said in a statement on Monday that three ISIS vehicles were burned in the operation in the villages of Palkana and Qorichayi located between the towns of Kifri and Khurmatu, saying their aim was to "distance and destroy the terrorists in the areas."
Sabah Nu'man, spokesperson for Iraqi counterterrorism units, told Rudaw that such operations will create a positive impact on the security of the disputed areas, adding that such operations will continue.
ISIS militants have exploited a security vacuum in territories disputed between Erbil and Baghdad, including Kirkuk, Nineveh, Diyala and Salahaddin – where sleeper cells have been able to thrive and launch attacks on both military forces and civilians.
Additional reporting by Sangar Abdulrahman
