This file photo shows an Iraqi Air Force AC-208 Cessna Caravan aircrew launch a Hellfire missile during a previous test at a target on the Aziziyah Training Range, south of Baghdad, Nov. 8, 2010. US Army photo by SGT Brandon Bolick.
The Iraqi Air Force (IQAF) continue to target ISIS cells throughout Iraq in coordination with local security forces and intelligence services.
On December 6, F-16 fighter jets of the IQAF carried out airstrikes on three hideouts of ISIS cells located within the so-called Aisha camp in Hamrin mountains in the eastern province of Diyala. The Iraqi Security Media Cell said that the airstrikes were carried out in coordination with the Directorate of Military Intelligence (DMI).
Following the airstrikes, a force from the Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service conducted a search operation in the targeted hideouts. The remains of several terrorists were found. According to the IQAF, at least nine terrorists were at least killed in the airstrikes.
The very next day, an AC-208 Combat Caravan counter-insurgency aircraft of the IQAF targeted a hideout of ISIS in the al-Chai valley in the northern province of Kirkuk. The pinpoint airstrike was also carried out in coordination with the DMI, which provided information on the hideout.
The Iraqi military, intelligence and security forces stepped up their counter-terrorism operations in the last few months. The IQAF played key role in most recent operations.
ISIS cells remain active in different parts of Iraq, especially in the western, northern and eastern regions. Despite of the immense effort being made by government forces, the terrorist group’s insurgency in the country will not likely end any time soon.
