Iraq
Uniforms bearing the emblems of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (left) and the imaging team of the French armed forces (right). File photo: Operation Inherent Resolve
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraqi security forces announced on Sunday that they carried out a “specialized” operation, conducted “in technical coordination with the French side,” successfully targeting five key Islamic State (ISIS) positions in Kirkuk province.
In a statement, the Joint Operations Command (JOC) - which reports directly to the Iraqi prime minister and commander-in-chief of the armed forces - said the “specialized and precise” operation was launched after three months of monitoring “a terrorist group in the Kirkuk operational sector.”
The surveillance was conducted by the Falcons Intelligence Cell (FIC), also under the authority of the Iraqi premier, in cooperation with the Iraqi Army’s Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI).
The Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) led the execution of the operation, with its chief and staff providing field supervision, the JOC confirmed, adding that the five targets were “dealt with through accurate airstrikes,” noting that “the strikes were direct.”
Importantly, the Command highlighted that the action was conducted by the CTS “in technical coordination with the French side,” which enabled the “accurate” and “direct” strikes, adding that “the mission is still ongoing” and that further details will be provided later.
The JOC concluded by affirming that “our heroic security forces, supported by expertise, accurate intelligence, and continuous, distinguished field efforts, are persistent in striking the dens of terrorism and exacting just retribution from its defeated elements.”
ISIS seized large swathes of territory in Iraq in 2014 but was defeated in 2017 after three years of fierce battles. Despite its defeat, the group continues to pose a security threat, particularly in disputed areas between Erbil and Baghdad, across several provinces including Diyala, Kirkuk, Nineveh, and Salahaddin.
In a Thursday interview with Rudaw, Major General Tahsin al-Khafaji, Director of Media and Moral Guidance at Iraq’s Defense Ministry, said that “ISIS is dying” and currently lacks the capability to carry out significant attacks.
Highlighting coordination with Kurdish Peshmerga forces, Khafaji noted that close collaboration and years of shared battlefield experience have allowed Iraqi and Kurdish forces to maintain the offensive, pursuing ISIS remnants through “monitoring, drawing out [the militants], and striking.”
Meanwhile, French forces are active in Iraq primarily through Operation Chammal and as part of the US-led Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. The operation focuses on airstrikes against ISIS targets using Rafale fighter jets, alongside reconnaissance and intelligence missions.
France also provides extensive training, advice, and support to Iraqi security forces to enhance their capacity to combat ISIS remnants.
Additionally, Paris contributes personnel to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) Mission Iraq (NMI) - a non-combat advisory and training mission aimed at reforming Iraqi security institutions and military education.
French Major General Christophe Hintzy in May assumed command of NMI, stating, “For France and for me personally, it is an honour and immense privilege to take over command of the NATO Mission in Iraq.”
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