ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani met with US-led coalition commander Major General Kevin Leahy in Baghdad, discussing “continued cooperation between the Iraqi security forces and the coalition advisors in pursuing remnants” of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq.
Sudani affirmed “Iraq’s commitment to eradicating terrorist cells, emphasizing that these groups no longer have a foothold or proximity to populated areas,” according to a statement by PM Sudani’s media office.
The Iraqi prime minister also “highlighted the significant progress made over the past two years in securing Iraq’s borders and enhancing both field and technical measures in areas previously exploited as entry points for terrorist groups."
Sudani and Leahy reaffirmed “the Coalition’s commitments to Iraq and the continuation of joint programs.
“The meeting also addressed the levels of capability and control achieved by the Iraqi Armed Forces across all branches, particularly their advanced intelligence and preemptive capabilities, which support all security deployments and enhance the ability to counter any cross-border criminal or terrorist activity. “
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.
Iraqi security forces in early January announced the killing of six ISIS militants, including a senior member of Kirkuk province’s remote regions.
Iraqi security forces arrested over 500 terror suspects in 2024, according to data from the Iraqi National Security Service.
In November, Iraqi PM 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 armed forces will continue their operations until the country is “cleansed” from ISIS.
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