04 Jun 2018 | 02:23 AM UTC
Iraq: IS militants kill 12 people in Salah Al-Din province June 2
Islamic State (IS) militants kill 12 people in Salah Al-Din province June 2; additional IS attacks possible in the coming weeks
Event
Islamic State (IS) militants killed a family of 12 people in Al-Farahatiyah (Salah Al-Din province) on Saturday, June 2. The militants' rationale for targeting the family was not immediately clear. Additional IS attacks are possible in Salah Al-Din province in the coming weeks.
Context
Areas north of Baghdad remain exposed to activity by insurgent networks operating in southern Salah Al-Din province and near the borders with Diyala and Anbar provinces.
Although Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi claimed victory over IS in December 2017, the group retains a degree of freedom of movement in the northeast (Hamrim Mountains), near the Tigris and Zab rivers, in rural regions of Anbar province, and along the Syrian border in the west. IS militants continue to carry out attacks, notably against security forces. High-profile attacks spur equally significant security responses, including enhanced checkpoint operations and more proactive operations, with resulting effects on transit.
Advice
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
