Politics

VIDEO: Anti-ISIS Coalition airstrikes destroy 'terrorist' hideouts south of Kirkuk

The US-led International Coalition against the so-called Islamic State on Saturday said its fighter jets had bombed and destroyed three camps of the terrorist organization in a sprawling area south of Kirkuk.

Mustafa Shilani 2020/06/21 12:14

middle east Iraq Kirkuk Tuz-Khurmatu ISIS International Coalition

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – The US-led International Coalition against the so-called Islamic State announced on Saturday that its fighter jets bombed and destroyed three hideouts of the terror group in a sprawling area south of Kirkuk.

The operation took place Friday in coordination with the Iraqi government, targeting the Wadi al-Shai area, which is located southwest of Daquq district and remains a hotspot for Islamic State operatives.

"Wadi al-Shai is a rural area in Kirkuk Province and a known hiding place for ISIS terrorists. The camps were in densely-vegetated austere terrain, approximately 16 miles west of Tuz Khurmatu, Iraq," a Coalition read.

Wadi al-Shai, often called the "Valley of Death", is located within the hills of Hamrin, which is a mountain range that extends from Diyala province to the southwestern parts of Kirkuk province and is known for its rough terrain.

"The Iraqi Security Forces have tactical overmatch against ISIS; airstrikes help destroy ISIS targets in terrain difficult to reach by standard vehicles," Coalition Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III was quoted as saying in the statement.

?Airstrikes destroy ISIS camp, June 19. The @modmiliq has tactical overmatch against ISIS; airstrikes help destroy ISIS targets in terrain difficult to reach by standard vehicles. @CJTFOIR airstrikes are conducted at the request of @IraqiGovt to help permanently #DefeatDaesh. ? pic.twitter.com/u4PKFfB5Ok
— OIR Spokesman Col. Myles B. Caggins III (@OIRSpox) June 20, 2020

“Blowing up ISIS hideouts in bucolic locations ultimately results in security in cities and villages. Each Coalition precision airstrike is conducted at the request of the Government of Iraq to help achieve a permanent defeat of Daesh,” Col. Caggins added.

Despite Iraq declaring a "final victory" against the Islamic State in 2017, the terrorist group continues to launch sporadic attacks, including bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings in previously liberated areas.

In recent months, the terrorist organization has increased its activities across the country, most notably in disputed territories, targeting and killing dozens of civilians and members of the security forces.

Editing by Khrush Najari