“The number of terrorists killed so far has exceeded 100 terrorists, most of whom are dangerous leaders, and work is continuing to strike terrorism wherever it is found,” state media reported, citing a statement by Major General Tahseen al-Khafaji, spokesperson for Iraq’s Joint Operations Command.
Describing the army’s efforts as “great and wonderful,” Khafaji attributed the increase in efficiency in operations against ISIS to better cooperation between the army and other relevant security agencies.
ISIS seized control of large swathes of Iraqi territory in 2014. The group was declared territorially defeated in 2017 but continues to carry out bombings, hit-and-run attacks, and abductions across several provinces.
The militants have taken shelter in a security vacuum in areas disputed between Erbil and Baghdad, stretching across several provinces including Kirkuk, Salahaddin, Nineveh, and Diyala.
Iraqi security forces have intensified their operations against ISIS cells in recent months, particularly in the disputed areas.
On Saturday, Iraqi airstrikes targeted a tunnel containing suspected ISIS members in western Nineveh province, after the jihadists opened fire on an Iraqi army battalion.
Last month, the US and Iraq announced that they had struck a deal to end the military mission of the anti-ISIS global coalition within a year. American troops will continue to maintain a military presence in Iraq until 2026 to support the coalition mission in Syria, which will end in two years.
