19 Apr 2018 | 10:08 PM UTC
Iraq/Syria: Iraqi operations against Islamic State positions April 18-19
Iraqi military confirms April 18 that security forces killed six Islamic State (IS) militants in Tikrit (Saladin province); Iraqi Air Force operations against IS in Syria April 19
Event
On Wednesday, April 18, Iraqi military sources confirmed that security forces (including both police and army personnel) killed six Islamic State (IS) militants in Tikrit (Saladin province). The Tikrit operation comes amid a broader Iraqi military campaign to target remaining IS positions along Iraq's border with Syria; according to the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve, the Iraqi Air Force carried out an airstrike on suspected IS militants near Hajin (Deir Al-Zor province) on Thursday, April 19. The operations were launched with consent from the Assad government. Additional Iraqi and Syrian security force operations against suspected IS positions are expected in both countries in the coming weeks.
Context
Though IS lost much of its territory in Syria and Iraq in 2017, the group still clings to some territory on the eastern side of the Euphrates River near the Iraqi border in Deir Al-Zor province, as well as to desert areas along the Iraq-Syria border in Deir Al-Zor and Hasaka provinces.
Moreover, though 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 in Iraq, 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 environments in Iraq and Syria remain complex. Although travel is possible in some areas of Iraq with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel to these countries.
