On 26 August, Peshmerga forces supported by International Coalition warplanes cleared 24 square kilometres in South of Kirkuk, killing at least 25 ISIL terrorists and clearing at least 9 villages, including Albu Najem, Tl Befr, Smoaq' Ulya, Albu Shahab, Khashana, Dbej, Tamur, Albu Zarga and Zarga.

At 0500hrs approximately 2,000 Peshmerga forces participated in the large-scale, multi-pronged offensive to add depth to their ability to protect Kirkuk and further isolate ISIL.

International Coalition warplanes targeted dozens of ISIL fighting positions from 2200hrs 25 August in preparation for the ground offensive and provided air support throughout the operation.

Counter-IED teams continue to clear the heavily-mined area while Peshmerga forces put in place defensive positions and measures.

In the last six months more than 208 square kilometres South of Kirkuk have been cleared as a result of three large-scale offensives killing at least 200 ISIL terrorists.

Office of The Chancellor
Kurdistan Region Security Council (KRSC)