Iraqi military says ISIS no longer a threat inside the country

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s military command said Saturday that ISIS no longer poses a threat inside the country, stressing that the group has been crippled by continuous security and intelligence operations.

Sabah al-Numan, spokesperson for the commander-in-chief of the armed forces, told the Iraqi News Agency: “ISIS gangs do not pose a threat to Iraq. Our security forces are capable and fully prepared to deal with any security developments. We carry out daily security and intelligence operations against terrorist elements wherever they exist, and they are receiving continuous blows, thanks to the determination and vigilance of our forces.”

He added that Iraq’s borders are fully secure. “Any regional developments do not directly affect Iraq’s security, and we are confident in the field and intelligence capabilities of our security forces,” he said.

Al-Numan noted that international concerns about ISIS are not tied to Iraq. “The organization by its nature represents a regional and international threat and is present in several countries. As far as Iraq is concerned, the group is paralyzed and continuously struck by our security forces with full capacity and high morale,” he said.

His comments followed remarks at the United Nations Security Council on Aug. 22 by U.S. Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea, who said Washington had intensified counterterrorism operations under President Donald Trump against ISIS and al-Qaeda, eliminating leaders and disrupting networks in Iraq, Syria, and Somalia. She said the United States remained committed to working with partners to prevent the spread of extremism.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad later echoed her message on X, writing: “The United States continues to prioritize partnerships with allies and regional actors in combating terrorism. We express our deep concern over the continued operations and regional expansions of ISIS and al-Qaeda. The United States also commends UN member states that have sustained counter-terrorism pressure in Iraq, Syria, and Somalia, which has constrained ISIS operations.”