Deadly Twin Attacks Rock Kirkuk Region Overnight
A fierce twin assault erupted just after midnight Sunday in the al-Rashad area, south of Kirkuk city. The gunmen clashed with police for two brutal hours, killing three officers in the firefight, reports Al Jazeera’s Mahmoud Abdelwahed from Baghdad.
Reinforcements Ambushed by Explosives
As reinforcements rushed to the scene, they walked into a deadly roadside bomb ambush. The blast killed more officers, leaving three wounded and one officer missing. Although no group has claimed responsibility, a security source suspects ISIS fighters, known to be active in the region.
Separate Mosul Checkpoint Attack Kills Three Soldiers
Meanwhile, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint southeast of Mosul on Sunday, killing at least three Iraqi soldiers and wounding one, security officials confirm.
ISIS Sleeper Cells Still Lethal Despite Defeat
ISIS swept through parts of Iraq in 2014 but was declared defeated by the Iraqi government in late 2017 after a US-led coalition campaign. However, sleeper cells remain active, regularly launching deadly asymmetric attacks on Iraqi forces, particularly in the north.
This weekend’s assault marks one of the deadliest this year. Just last month, an ISIS bombing in Sadr City claimed 30 lives.
Coalition Forces Scaling Back Amid Rising Threats
The international coalition in Iraq currently has around 3,500 troops, including 2,500 Americans. But Washington plans to reduce its military presence due to escalating attacks from Iran-backed groups targeting US facilities. Starting next year, US forces will shift their focus to training and advising Iraqi forces rather than active combat roles.
