Iraq: Curfew imposed in Salahuddin province November 11

Event

Iraqi security forces imposed a curfew in Al-Farhatiya (Salahuddin province) on Saturday, November 11, following a pair of bomb explosions that wounded at least three Iraqi army soldiers. The Iraqi announcement of the curfew reportedly coincides with an ongoing operation to defuse improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted on a nearby road in an agricultural area. The date on which the curfew will be lifted has not yet been announced by local authorities. A heightened security presence and traffic disruptions are expected in the area for the duration of the curfew and concurrent bomb disposal operation.

Context

Terrorist attacks, including IED attacks, are common across Iraq.

In general, diversionary and retaliatory attacks by Islamic State (IS) have become increasingly common as IS loses territory in the country and in neighboring Syria. It is likely that the group will continue to employ asymmetric terrorist 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 possible (with appropriate precautions in place) in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.