Security campaign mounted in Kirkuk in response to Islamic State attacks

Kirkuk (Iraqinews.com) – Federal police forces have launched a wide-scale security campaign in response to recent attacks launched by Islamic State (IS) group on the villages of Kirkuk, a security source was quoted as saying.

“The campaign was mounted in southern and western Kirkuk with the aim of eliminating IS militants, who take shelter in this area,” the source told Iraqi website Alghad Press.

The source added that the campaign was launched “in the aftermath of attacks launched by Islamic State militants on a number of villages” where they set up fake checkpoints wearing military uniforms.

Kirkuk officials always urge reinforcing military troops in the south and west of the province, as the region still has Islamic State members who escaped during liberation of Hawija to remote areas.

The Islamic State group appeared on the international scene in 2014 when it seized large swathes of territory in Iraq and Syria, declaring the establishment of an Islamic “caliphate” from Mosul city.

Later on, the group has become notorious for its brutality, including mass killings, abductions and beheadings, prompting the U.S. to lead an international coalition to destroy it.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi announced In December full liberation of Iraqi lands, declaring the end of war against IS members.

Despite the group’s crushing defeat at its main havens across Iraq, Islamic State continues to launch sporadic attacks against troops with security reports warning that the militant group still poses a threat against stability in the country.