Iraq launches major anti-ISIS operations –  by Seth Frantzman

A major operation in Hamrin (جبال حمرين) was launched by Iraq last week to clear the mountain areas of ISIS remnants. It is part of a series of operations that are designed to destroy ISIS in Iraq this year. ISIS has put down roots in the mountainous areas since its defeat in Hawija and other areas in 2017. It continued operations from the rural areas, and was able to infiltrate neighbouring villages, carrying out attacks at night. It was also active near Lake Hamrin (لبحيرة حمرين).  It was part of a large strategy also involving areas near Makhmur and Anbar.

The operation began on April 11. Led by Iraqi CTS Lt. General Abdel-Wahab al-Sa’idi it covered areas in Saladin and Diyala provinces. According to David Witty, “1st & 2nd ISOF Brigades of Iraqi CTService are involved in pursuing ISIS in Hamrin Hills, making it biggest CTS operation since end of conventional fighting against ISIS.” It involved other units as well from the PMU in other areas and also support from the Coalition.

For instance in other sectors “Last night, Brigade 23 from Badr Military Wing was involved in operations designed to spring ambushes against ISIS elements and it looks like 4 were wounded during clashes in Khanaqin subdistrict….Brigades 6, 31, and 51 of the PMF embark on a search operation from west of Tikrit until the shores of Lake Tharthar. This work area is next to the Saraya Salam zone which is to the south,” Tom Cat reports.

Important news on the first day involved the destruction of the ISIS media headquarters in Hamrin Hills during the operation.

“Iraqi CTService announces it has killed 12 to 15 ISIS in ongoing Hamrin Hills operation, discovered important ISIS documents & prevented ISIS from establishing a base. International Coalition aircraft destroyed 15 ISIS safe houses in the area,” writes David Witty.

Photo of commander of 2nd Battalion (ICTF), 1st ISOF Brigade, Iraqi CTService, in ISIS safe house in Harmin Hills. https://t.co/u4uoUOf9nz

— David M. Witty (@DavidMWitty1) April 11, 2019

Some details

Okay it’s time to let the cat out of the bag.

ISOF-1 with support from Coalition aircraft launch an operation on the southeast portion of Hamrin Mountains.

— TØM CΛT (@TomtheBasedCat) April 11, 2019

On April 13: “CTS Spokesman Sabah Nu’man said today in a news conference that the ISOF operation foiled a plan by ISIS to establish a formal base of operations in Hamrin. Also stated that Coalition target 15 caches and that media silence of the operation caught the enemy by surprise.”

OIR spokesman notes “ICTS announced the outcome of the joint operation, supported by the Iraqi Army Aviation, the Global Coalition Air Force, and other units from the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior, to pursue Daesh fighters in Hamrin mountains.”

ICTS announced the outcome of the joint operation, supported by the Iraqi Army Aviation, the Global Coalition Air Force, and other units from the Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Interior, to pursue Daesh fighters in Hamrin mountains. https://t.co/LW2tyNfMUB pic.twitter.com/B6fe8BOHO3

— OIR Spokesperson (@OIRSpox) April 13, 2019

Details on the media center

Da’ish underground media centre destroyed by #Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service during operations in the Himreen (Hamrin) mountains region this week.

The set-up was used to help publish Da’ish propaganda and its Al-Naba “newspaper”. pic.twitter.com/OWueHqL1ta

— H. Sumeri (@IraqiSecurity) April 13, 2019

Shelly Kittleson has written about previous Hamrin (Hamreen) operations.

Elite CTS 1st and 2nd BGD’s, Iraqi army aviation and US-led coalition AF launch a sophisticated 48 hour air-assault operation against Daesh in Hamreen mountain range area, after the latter were forced out of their caves by the heavy rain torrents.https://t.co/9iS9o7TdJJ

— Hasan (@Honor_Loyalty88) April 12, 2019

Nevertheless ISIS continues to be a global threat

Over the past seven days, #ISIS has conducted 105 military operations (the highest global figure since a long long time): 40 in #Iraq, 32 in #Syria, 9 in West Africa, 8 in #Khorasan, 5 in #Sinai, 5 in #Somalia, 3 in East Asia, 1 in #Yemen, 1 in #Libya and 1 in #Caucasus. pic.twitter.com/87bLMyI9qR

— Adam Bachaa (@Adam_Bachaa) April 12, 2019