Iraq: IS militants kidnap police officers in northeast March 20

Event

On Tuesday, March 20, Islamic State (IS) militants reportedly kidnapped ten policemen north of the capital Baghdad. The militants used a fake checkpoint on a main road in the Hamrin Mountain region to trap the policemen, who were traveling in two civilian cars and returning from vacation. An operation to find the missing officers is underway.

Context

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 spurn 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 permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.