Iraqi forces have destroyed two "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) camps in the area of Wadi al-Husseiniyat in Anbar province's desert during a recent security operation, a tribal leader told Diyaruna.

Units from the Anbar Operations Command and the Anbar Police Directorate's tactical regiment took part in the attack on the two camps on Sunday and Monday (May 27th).

The troops seized various items from the camps before they destroyed them, including computers, communications devices, weapons and documents. They also set fire to a small truck.

A number of wanted persons were arrested during the operation, while nearby areas were combed to ensure they were clear of ISIS.

"The new operation is part of a series of recent security operations in the western desert," said Ghanim al-Aifan, a tribal leader in western Anbar.

In addition to Wadi al-Husseiniyat, the operation covered Wadi al-Qadhf, Wadi Houran, Wadi al-Ajramiya and Wadi al-Abyad, as well as the area of ​​Amij, he told Diyaruna.

Enemy sites and targets have been detected "through aerial surveillance and active intelligence work deep in the desert", he said.

No refuge for ISIS in the desert

Al-Aifan said the latest operation in al-Husseiniyat "has dealt another powerful blow to [ISIS] remnants who are trying to find safe locations in desert areas that would serve as launch pads for their terrorist attacks against cities and villages in [Anbar]".

"Such concentrated attacks will not give the enemy any opportunity to regroup and resume its activities," he said, as ISIS elements had sought to exploit the desert's valleys and the many caves and natural hideouts found there to set up secret bases.

Security and intelligence forces are now "more experienced in monitoring and tracking down ISIS remnants, no matter how isolated the areas they are hiding in", he added.

The support of local and tribal communities in the fight against ISIS is "a key factor in establishing security and maintaining military pressure", he said, calling on authorities to enhance local participation in security responsibilities.