In a targeted anti-terrorism operation, Iraqi security forces, in collaboration with military intelligence agencies, successfully eliminated at least four Islamic State (ISIS) militants in the disputed Kurdish city of Kirkuk.

The operation, which took place in Kirkuk's Wadi Zaghitoun area, involved Iraqi fighter jets and ground forces. According to reports from security sources, the airstrikes were carried out with precision, resulting in the immediate neutralization of the ISIS threats.

Following the airstrikes, ground forces swiftly moved in to secure the area. They discovered and safely detonated four explosive belts, removing a significant danger to civilian lives. Additionally, various other explosive ordnances were destroyed, further ensuring the safety of the local population.

In a significant development, the security forces seized four firearms, shedding light on the militants' intentions to continue their reign of terror. Alongside the weaponry, a cache of documents and criminal records belonging to the targeted terrorist group were also recovered. These documents may provide invaluable insights into the group's operations and networks.

The Islamic State, while considerably weakened in recent years, still maintains a dispersed presence in Iraq. To avoid detection, its members often seek refuge in remote and difficult-to-access areas such as marshlands and caves. Notably, the group remains particularly active in disputed Kurdish territories like Kirkuk. This is partly due to the security vacuum that emerged after the Iran-backed Hashd al-Shaabi militia assumed control of the province in 2017.

This operation serves as a testament to the continued dedication and effectiveness of Iraqi security forces in countering the threat of ISIS and ensuring the safety and security of the region. Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations into the seized documents to gather more intelligence on the militant group's activities and networks in the area.