In a major counter-terrorism operation, Iraqi and US forces targeted ISIS strongholds in the Hamrin Mountains, leading to the deaths of nine senior ISIS leaders, including the group’s “Wali of Iraq.” The joint raid marked another significant blow against the terrorist organization, while also underscoring ongoing challenges as ISIS remains active in disputed territories. The operation was carried out with support from the US-led coalition, highlighting Iraq’s continued fight against terrorism.
Iraqi Forces Eliminate ISIS Leaders
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani announced the killing of nine senior ISIS figures, including the “Wali of Iraq,” during a joint operation conducted by Iraqi counter-terrorism units and the National Security Agency. The operation targeted a shelter where the ISIS leaders were hiding in the Hamrin Mountain range south of Kirkuk, an area known for jihadist activity.
Al-Sudani praised the mission as an “exceptional and heroic” effort under the supervision of Iraq’s Joint Operations Command. “There is no place for terrorists in Iraq,” he said. “We will continue pursuing them in their hideouts and eliminate them until Iraqi territory is completely cleared of their presence.” The Iraqi leadership’s commitment to rooting out terrorist cells reflects an ongoing challenge in regions still facing instability despite ISIS’s territorial defeat in 2017.
US Involvement in the Raid
While the Iraqi Prime Minister did not acknowledge foreign involvement in his initial statement, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) later confirmed that American military personnel were assisting with the operation. Two US servicemen were injured during the raid, though they are reported to be in stable condition. CENTCOM’s involvement included providing technical support and intelligence that enabled Iraqi forces to execute the mission.
General Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, reiterated the US commitment to combating ISIS. “U.S. Central Command, alongside our coalition and Iraqi partners, will aggressively pursue ISIS and other terrorists that pose a threat to US forces, allies, partners, and security in the region,” he said. The coalition’s efforts in Iraq, which will officially end in September 2025, remain crucial in preventing the resurgence of ISIS.
The US-led coalition’s role in Iraq primarily focuses on advising and assisting local forces. However, the raid highlighted the necessity of direct involvement in combat scenarios to ensure the success of high-priority missions against terrorist leadership.
Ongoing Threats and the Significance of Hamrin Mountains
The Hamrin Mountains have long been a hotspot for jihadist activity due to their strategic location in disputed territories between the federal government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG). These areas have frequently witnessed anti-ISIS campaigns, as the rugged terrain provides ideal hiding places for militant groups. Although ISIS lost its territorial control in 2017, the organization continues to operate in Iraq, launching sporadic attacks on security forces and civilians.
Jassim al-Mazrouei, also known by his nom de guerre Abu Abdel Qader, was identified as the killed “Wali of Iraq.” Al-Mazrouei’s death is considered a significant blow to ISIS’s structure, especially in regions like Kirkuk, where many members are believed to be local recruits. Former Kirkuk governor Najmaldin Karim once described ISIS in the area as composed mostly of local people who joined the group due to political and social grievances, rather than purely ideological reasons. This historical context emphasizes the necessity of addressing the underlying causes of extremism to ensure long-term peace.
The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), supported by the coalition, had launched multiple operations in recent weeks. Just days before this raid, they conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS members in northeastern Iraq, killing a senior leader named Shahadhah Salih Ulaywi al-Bajjari. The recent wave of operations signals a renewed push to dismantle the remnants of ISIS, despite the organization’s efforts to regroup.
Wider Regional Implications Amid Ongoing Conflicts
The significance of ISIS’s diminished leadership is further compounded by regional instability. The ongoing conflict in Lebanon, sparked by intensified Israeli airstrikes since late September, has raised concerns about the potential for terrorist groups to exploit the situation. Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Fuad Hussein warned that the escalating war could provide a “golden opportunity” for ISIS to regain strength, posing a threat to regional and global security.
At an international aid conference in Paris, Hussein called for an immediate halt to Israeli military actions, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian aid and the protection of displaced people. Iraq’s response included setting up an air bridge to deliver medical and humanitarian supplies to Lebanon, while also opening its borders to refugees fleeing the conflict. With the arrival of thousands of Lebanese refugees in Iraq, the country has positioned itself as a regional leader in addressing humanitarian crises.
The spillover effect of regional conflicts, including the Syrian war and ongoing tensions between Iraq and its neighbors, continues to challenge the fight against terrorism. ISIS’s ability to exploit these dynamics for recruitment and regrouping remains a pressing concern, even as joint military operations deal major blows to its leadership.
A Continuing Battle Against Extremism
The recent raid in the Hamrin Mountains illustrates Iraq’s determination to eradicate the remnants of ISIS and restore stability to regions still grappling with the aftermath of war. Despite significant progress, the resurgence of jihadist elements and the persistent instability in disputed territories underscore the complexity of achieving a complete victory over extremism.
For US forces, the ongoing fight against ISIS has evolved from large-scale combat missions to intelligence-driven operations, advising local forces, and occasionally engaging in direct combat when necessary. The upcoming conclusion of the coalition mission in 2025 will shift the responsibility entirely onto Iraq’s military and security institutions, which have shown resilience in recent counter-terrorism efforts but continue to face significant challenges.
As Iraq moves forward, sustained efforts to address the root causes of extremism, coupled with strong military cooperation, will be crucial in ensuring that terrorist organizations cannot regain a foothold. The operation in the Hamrin Mountains is a testament to the progress made, yet it also serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle to maintain peace and security in the region.
