Iraqi forces discover ISIS tunnels, rocket launch sites east of Salah al-Din

SALAH AL-DIN — Iraqi army and Popular Mobilization Forces discovered tunnels and hideouts used by the Islamic State group during a joint operation east of the governorate, the PMF said.

Units from the PMF’s 9th Brigade and Iraqi army forces found “three tunnels containing two rooms,” along with “logistical materials and rocket launch bases,” according to a statement.

Explosive ordnance teams destroyed the sites “in accordance with established procedures,” the PMF said, adding the operation was part of “ongoing efforts to pursue ISIS terrorist remnants and enhance security and stability in the area.”

The discovery comes as Iraq takes a larger role in handling ISIS detainees amid instability in northeastern Syria. Syrian government forces and allied Islamist militias launched an offensive against Kurdish-held areas last month, triggering concerns over detention facilities holding thousands of Islamic State prisoners and their families. Clashes near several sites have led to reported escapes.

U.S. Central Command has begun transferring detainees to Iraq, with plans to relocate up to 7,000. Iraq’s First Karkh Investigative Court said it has begun investigating 1,387 Islamic State members recently received from Syrian detention facilities.

Iraq’s National Security Service said it arrested 16 people on terrorism charges during operations in January.