Iraqi forces recover bodies of five militants after airstrike in Hamrin Mountains

BAGHDAD — Iraqi security forces have discovered the bodies of five militants killed in a precision airstrike carried out by Iraqi F-16 fighter jets in the Hamrin mountain range in Kirkuk, the Security Media Cell announced on Saturday.

In a statement, the Security Media Cell said, “Following yesterday’s operation on Nov. 29, and based on accurate intelligence and field operations by the brave personnel of the Military Intelligence Directorate, coordinated with the Targeting Cell at the Joint Operations Command, Iraqi F-16 jets conducted precise airstrikes in the Hamrin mountain range within the Kirkuk operational sector.”

The statement added, “Early this morning, a joint force from the Iraqi Army Special Forces, supported by the Reconnaissance Battalion of the 11 th Division under the Military Intelligence Directorate, began combing the strike location. As of this report, the force has discovered the bodies of five terrorists. Their identities and affiliations are being investigated. Additionally, two hideouts were destroyed.”

The operation also resulted in the recovery of weapons, ammunition, explosives, logistical supplies, and communication devices. “The mission is ongoing as the forces continue to secure the area,” the statement noted.

The Security Media Cell previously reported that Iraqi F-16 aircraft had conducted airstrikes on Nov. 29, targeting a hideout used by militants in the Hamrin mountain range. The strikes successfully destroyed the hideout and neutralized a group of terrorists within.

Iraq continues to confront the enduring threat posed by remnants of the Islamic State, despite declaring military victory over the group in December 2017. ISIS, though significantly weakened, has persisted as a clandestine insurgency, conducting sporadic attacks and maintaining sleeper cells across various regions.

In response, Iraqi security forces, often in collaboration with international partners, have intensified operations to dismantle these residual elements. Notably, in October 2024, a joint operation between U. S. and Iraqi forces resulted in the death of Jassim al-Mazroui Abu Abdul Qader, the ISIS leader in Iraq, along with eight senior leaders in the Hamrin Mountains.

Despite these successes, ISIS continues to exploit security gaps, particularly in areas with limited government presence in the disputed areas. Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has asserted that ISIS remnants no longer pose a significant threat to the Iraqi state, describing them as “isolated groups hiding in remote areas to avoid capture.”