In a decisive move on Sunday, Iraqi forces launched a targeted airstrike in Kirkuk province as part of a newly initiated anti-ISIS operation. The strike, conducted in the Wadi al-Shay area, successfully obliterated ISIS detachments and a terrorist hideout, resulting in casualties among the suspected militants, according to the country's Joint Operations Command.

The operation, a joint effort between the Iraqi army and the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF or Hashd al-Shaabi), was prompted by a series of recent ISIS attacks in Diyala and Makhmour. The surge in attacks raised concerns about sleeper cell activities in disputed territories.

Last Thursday, a suspected ISIS assault in Diyala's Muqdadiya district claimed the lives of at least ten civilians and left 17 others injured. The following day, ISIS gunmen targeted an Iraqi army position near Erbil province's Makhmour, resulting in the death of at least one soldier and injuries to five others.

While ISIS faced territorial defeat in 2017 after a joint effort by Iraqi, Kurdish, and international coalition forces, the group continues to pose a significant security threat. Operating through hit-and-run attacks, bombings, and abductions, ISIS remains active in areas disputed between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG), including provinces such as Diyala, Salahaddin, and Kirkuk.

The latest airstrike underscores Iraq's ongoing commitment to eradicating the remnants of ISIS and ensuring the security and stability of the region. The situation is evolving, and authorities are closely monitoring developments as the anti-ISIS operation progresses.