ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi security forces killed two suspected Islamic State (ISIS) militants and uncovered a cache of weapons and logistical equipment during a joint military operation in the Balkana mountain range, east of Salahaddin province, authorities said Thursday.

The Joint Operations Command, in coordination with the Iraqi Air Force, carried out an airstrike using F-16 fighter jets on Tuesday, targeting an ISIS hideout, based on intelligence provided by the Military Intelligence Directorate.

A follow-up ground operation, conducted Thursday by units from the 88th Brigade of the East Salahaddin Operations Command along with intelligence and engineering teams, located the bodies of two militants at the strike site.

Security forces also recovered weapons, mobile phones, logistical materials, and other incriminating evidence, the military said in a statement.

The mountainous terrain and difficult access to the area had complicated the mission, according to the statement. Search and surveillance operations remain ongoing in the region.

“This successful operation reflects the precision, coordination, and bravery of our forces,” the Joint Operations Command said.

Despite being territorially defeated in 2017, ISIS militants continue to pose a security threat in Iraq through sporadic hit-and-run operations and attacks on remote areas. Iraqi forces have intensified their efforts to eliminate these remnants.

Iraqi security forces arrested over 500 terror suspects in 2024, according to data from the Iraqi National Security Service.