Iraq is working to strengthen security in the sensitive Kirkuk region amid apparent government concern over ISIS activity around Kirkuk and Hawija. The threats appear to have grown in recent months, as Iraqi forces take on greater responsibility with the international anti-ISIS coalition largely winding down its role.
US forces withdrew from Iraq on September 30 under an agreement between Baghdad and Washington. American troops had operated in the country as part of the coalition fighting ISIS. With that mission now largely ending, Iraq faces the task of stepping up its own efforts against the group's remaining members.
On November 5, the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service announced that it had detained an ISIS suspect in Kirkuk Governorate. In a statement carried by the state-run Iraqi News Agency, the service described the arrest as part of its continuing campaign to locate and pursue members of the group. The service is Iraq's elite counterterrorism force.
According to the service, the operation followed an arrest warrant issued by the investigative judge handling its cases. It said the required legal procedures had been carried out concerning the suspect. The force also pledged to maintain targeted raids against ISIS remnants, describing those operations as a means of protecting residents and strengthening security and stability.
Turkey, meanwhile, welcomed Iraq's efforts to strengthen its border positions. The Iraqi News Agency reported that the Turkish Defense Ministry on Thursday praised the reinforcement of outposts and observation posts along the border. The ministry also reaffirmed that security cooperation between the two countries would continue.
Ankara said it was continuing to provide support to Iraq and cooperate in defense and security. Turkey has interests in both Kirkuk and Tal Afar. The United States also remains involved in efforts to support stability in Iraq and Syria, with its ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, additionally serving as the US envoy to both countries.
Elsewhere in Iraq, authorities reported the recent detention of three Popular Mobilization Forces members in Al-Latifiyah, south of Baghdad. A security source told Shafaq News on Friday that they were transporting 35 rockets of an unidentified type and two pistols. The PMF has previously used Iranian 107mm and 122mm rockets to attack US diplomatic and military facilities.
Turkey has also welcomed the prospect of reopening the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline linking Iraq and Syria. The possible resumption of that route adds another consideration to Iraq's efforts to secure Kirkuk.
