Iraq: Military offensive continues in Hawija (Kirkuk) /update 2

Event

The Iraqi military continues the second stage of its assault to recapture the town of Hawija (Kirkuk province) from the Islamic State (IS), initially launched on September 21. The town is one of two remaining areas in Iraq controlled by IS militants.

The present stage of the operation is focused on urban parts of Hawija and its surrounding areas, including the town of Riyadh. Iraqi forces previously captured the Rashad air base, once used as a training and logistics base by IS.

Context

The offensive in Hawija follows recent Iraqi military victories, including the liberation of Mosul and Tal Afar from IS control in July and August, respectively.

Diversionary and retaliatory attacks by IS have become increasingly common as IS loses territory in the country. 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.