Iraq: IS kills at least seven in Ramadi attacks Sep. 27

Event

Islamic State (IS) fighters killed at least seven Iraqi soldiers and wounded 16 more people in a series of attacks near Ramadi on Wednesday, September 27. The IS attacks took place in three areas near the western part of the provincial capital (Al-Tash, Majr, and Kilometer Seven), and consisted of complex ambushes that included the use of suicide car bombs, machine guns, and mortars. IS briefly controlled the territories before the Iraqi army, Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), and local tribesmen repelled the attacks, reportedly killing all of the estimated 20 IS assailants. Iraqi authorities imposed a curfew in Ramadi following the attacks; it is unknown at this time whether the curfew remains in effect.

Context

Wednesday's IS diversionary attacks come as Iraqi forces advance on the last two remaining IS positions in the country, in western Anbar province and Hawijah (Kirkuk province).

Terrorist attacks are common across the country, particularly in Baghdad and surrounding areas, as Iraqi authorities continue their fight to eliminate IS from their territory. Diversionary and retaliatory attacks by IS have become increasingly common since the Mosul offensive was launched in mid-October 2016, led by Iraqi security forces and backed by the predominantly Shi'a Popular Mobilization Forces and tribal groups. As IS's capabilities to successfully wage insurgent warfare in Iraq and Syria wane, it is likely that the group will continue to employ such asymmetric terror tactics with greater frequency, using small cells that can operate within the group's progressively fragmenting leadership structure.

Advice

The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.