Two officers were killed and four soldiers were wounded in an attack on a military vehicle in Kirkuk province, Iraq. The bombing occurred less than a week after a significant operation by Iraqi security forces and the US military targeted ISIS militants in western Iraq. An anonymous Iraqi army official confirmed that the deceased included a colonel and a lieutenant colonel from the 8th Division's intelligence unit. The attack, which took place near the Dibis district, has not been claimed by any group yet. This incident highlights ongoing security challenges in Iraq, especially in light of recent military operations that resulted in the deaths of 15 ISIS members. Despite Iraq's declaration of victory over ISIS in late 2017, the group still maintains a presence, with an estimated 1,500 to 3,000 fighters remaining active in the region.
- The recent bombing incident underscores the persistent threat posed by ISIS in Iraq, despite the territorial defeats it has faced in previous years. The US and Iraqi forces continue to conduct operations aimed at dismantling the remnants of the group, particularly in remote areas where they can regroup. The UN report from July indicates that ISIS is still capable of executing targeted attacks, often utilizing small, mobile groups to evade detection.
