DUBAI, UAE - The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF), in coordination with security forces, launched a sweeping operation for Islamic State (ISIS) remnants between Diyala and Salahaddin provinces.

Ahmed al-Janabi, head of logistics for PMF Brigade 22, told The New Region that the operations include sweeping and searching the border areas in Hawd al-Mita and several nearby villages.

He said the measures are aimed at pursuing Islamic State fighters who infiltrated the villages and preventing them from reorganizing.

The operations are divided into several axes, supported by air cover and specialized teams to deal with explosives, according to Janabi.

Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (ICTS) earlier this month announced the arrest of 11 ISIS suspects in separate operations across four provinces, including multiple operations in collaboration with Kurdish forces.

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