Iraq: IS militants kill five in Baiji district (Salah Al-Din province) August 11

Event

Islamic State (IS) militants launched an attack on a checkpoint in Baiji district (Salah Al-Din province), north of Baghdad, on Saturday, August 11, killing five people and wounding another. Those killed in the attack on the village of Al-Bujwari were reportedly members of a tribal militia affiliated with the predominantly Shi'a Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) umbrella paramilitary organization. The militants fled the area after the attack.

In a separate incident on Saturday, a dual-improvised explosive device (IED) attack killed at least two people and wounded ten others in Sanjej (southeast of Mosul). Though no group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack, Iraqi police have sought the arrests of four suspects in connection to the incident, including IS sympathizers. Additional IS attacks are possible in the abovementioned areas and elsewhere in northern Iraq in the near-term.

Context

Although Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi claimed victory over the Islamic State (IS) in December 2017, the group retains a degree of freedom of movement in parts of the country, particularly in northern and western Iraq. IS militants continue to carry out attacks, notably against security forces. High-profile attacks often prompt equally significant security responses, including enhanced checkpoint operations and more proactive operations, with resulting effects on transit. 

Advice

Individuals in northern Iraq, particularly in the abovementioned areas, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

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.