ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - The Iraqi military said in a ground raid on “a targeted location” on Wednesday, it turned out they had killed eight Islamic State (ISIS) suspects in airstrikes on the militant group’s hideout on Mount Hamrin, southwest of Kirkuk two days ago.

Among the slain militants were “important leadership” of ISIS “whose names and addresses will be announced later after conducting the DNA examination process,” read a statement from the Iraqi Defense Ministry’s Security Media Cell.

In the Wednesday raid, the Iraqi armed forces discovered "weapons, ammunition, explosives, other logistical materials, and communications devices,” of the group, the statement read, describing the destroyed target as a “fortified” hideout of the militants which had located “in a geographically complex” spot.

Today’s announcement came a week after another nine ISIS militants including the group’s top so-called “Iraq Governor” were killed in a similar operation against the group on Mount Hamrin.

Following last week’s military operation, Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani reiterated support for the security forces in their pursuit of ISIS remnants, stressing that “there is no place for terrorists in Iraq” and that the forces will continue their operations until the country is “cleansed” from ISIS.

In a separate raid on Wednesday, the Kirkuk Intelligence Directorate arrested “three dangerous” ISIS militants in Kirkuk province, the Iraqi state media announced.

The Iraqi government has intensified operations against ISIS remnants following the group’s territorial defeat, though sporadic insurgent activities remain in remote areas.

Despite being territorially defeated in 2017, ISIS militants continue to pose a security threat in Iraq through hit-and-run operations and attacks on remote areas. Iraqi forces have intensified their efforts to eliminate these remnants, especially in provinces like Kirkuk, Anbar, and Nineveh, where ISIS cells remain active. 

Similar operations have been carried out across Iraq, as the military targets the group's hideouts and leadership in an ongoing campaign to maintain security and stability.