In a recent skirmish in the disputed Kurdish district of Khanaqin, security forces successfully neutralized an Islamic State (IS) militant, with another fighter sustaining injuries. The incident occurred in the Narin area of the Qaratapa district, shedding light on the ongoing challenges in eradicating the extremist group despite Iraq officially declaring its "full defeat" in 2017.

Security forces reported that on Friday, they engaged with IS members, resulting in the death of one militant and the injury of another. The persistence of IS activities in the region underscores the constant threat they pose, employing strategic dispersal tactics in marshlands, caves, and remote rural areas to evade detection.

The contested Kurdish territories, notably Kirkuk province, continue to witness increased IS operations, revealing the repercussions of the security vacuum left after the 2017 takeover by pro-Iranian Hashd al-Shaabi militia groups. The resurgence of IS in these areas poses a significant challenge to local and national security.

Last week, IS members launched a ground assault against Hashd al-Shaabi forces in Salahadin province, resulting in casualties among the militia group. The heightened activity highlights the ongoing struggle to fully eradicate the extremist presence, as they exploit vulnerabilities in the region.

The Iraqi security forces remain committed to combating the persistent threat posed by the Islamic State, utilizing various strategies to track and neutralize militants. The international community closely monitors the situation, emphasizing the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the complete eradication of the extremist group and the restoration of stability in the region.