Iraqi security forces say they killed over 100 ISIS militants in counterterrorism operations

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces have killed more than 100 ISIS militants, many of them senior leaders, during counterterrorism operations this year, according to a statement from the Security Media Cell, which is affiliated with Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani’s office.

“The number of terrorists killed so far has exceeded 100, most of whom are very dangerous leaders,” said Maj. Gen. Tahseen al-Khafaji, head of the Security Media Cell, speaking to the Iraqi News Agency. Al-Khafaji credited the success to coordinated efforts by the Joint Operations Command and intelligence agencies, including the Military Intelligence Directorate.

He also confirmed the recent arrest of nine terrorism suspects in four provinces, noting that intelligence-led operations have been key in dismantling ISIS networks. “Our security services have dealt significant blows to terrorism, and we will continue our efforts to strike wherever these groups are found,” al-Khafaji said.

Though ISIS was declared defeated in Iraq in 2017, remnants of the group continue to operate in rural and less secure areas, particularly in disputed regions. ISIS exploits security gaps in these areas to carry out attacks and maintain its presence. Iraqi security forces, along with Peshmerga forces, regularly conduct operations targeting these remaining cells.

Baghdad maintains that its security forces are fully capable of managing the ISIS threat independently. In a Sept. 17 interview with Bloomberg, al-Sudani said the presence of coalition forces is “no longer required” in Iraq.

As a result, Washington and Baghdad announced in a joint statement that the U.S.-led international coalition’s mission against ISIS in Iraq will end by the close of 2025.

A United Nations report released in July estimated ISIS’s combined strength in Iraq and Syria has been reduced to between 1,500 and 3,000 fighters due to battlefield losses, desertions and recruitment challenges. While the report said ISIS activities in Iraq are “largely contained,” it warned that the group remains capable of carrying out sporadic but significant attacks.