Iraq launches second phase of operation “Solid Will” against ISIS
ERBIL, KRG, Iraq (North Press) – Iraqi Joint Operation Command announced on Saturday launching the second phase of operation “Solid Will”, which will include several Iraqi governorates.
In late March, the Iraqi forces launched the first phase of the operation, aiming to clear vast lands of the country from the Islamic State Organization’s (ISIS) sleeper cells.
“The units of the operations of al-Anbar, al-Jazira and Karbala, forces from the Border Guard, and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in western Anbar and the middle Euphrates are participating in the second phase of this operation,” a statement of the Iraqi Security Media Cell, read.
Specific operations, through airborne forces, to conduct ambushes deep in the desert are being carried out by units of the Special Forces, the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service and the Rapid Response Division, according to the statement.
These operations will be provided with air support by the Iraqi Air Forces, according to information by intelligence agencies.
The campaign covers vast lands in the middle and west of the country, including the governorates of Kirkuk, Saladin, Karbala and al-Anbar.
ISIS action in Syria and Iraq has witnessed a spike, coinciding with its call for its members to launch operations under the name of “revenge for the two sheikhs,” in reference to the its leader and spokesman who were killed in Idlib.
On April 21, some Iraqi media outlets said that an ISIS assault in the governorate of Diyala had killed a soldier and wounded three others.
Similar to the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), the Iraqi Security Forces occasionally launches “clearing” operations that target ISIS sleeper cells.