Iraq News
Security

Iraqi forces destroy ISIS chemical stockpiles in Anbar, Kirkuk

By Khalid al-Taie

Iraqi intelligence forces retrieve large quantities of high-impact C4 explosives found in an underground ISIS hideout in Heet, western Anbar on September 28th. [Photo courtesy of the Iraqi Military Intelligence Directorate]

Iraqi intelligence forces retrieve large quantities of high-impact C4 explosives found in an underground ISIS hideout in Heet, western Anbar on September 28th. [Photo courtesy of the Iraqi Military Intelligence Directorate]

Iraqi intelligence forces have recently destroyed several "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) hideouts in Anbar and Kirkuk provinces that contained chemicals used in making explosives, an Iraqi expert told Diyaruna.

The forces seized on Monday (September 30th) 100 kilogrammes of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used in making explosives, in the area of Sarkalan in Kirkuk, said security analyst Fadel Abu Ragheef.

They also seized weapons, light ammunition and IEDs that were found at the hideout, he told Diyaruna.

On Saturday, military intelligence forces raided another ISIS hideout in Heet's old camp area in western Anbar, that contained around four tonnes of C4 explosives.

Iraqi forces, in co-operation with local residents, uncovered an ISIS hideout that contained explosives and weapons in al-Mansouriya in ​​Diyala province on September 21st. [Photo courtesy of the Iraqi Ministry of Defence]

Iraqi forces, in co-operation with local residents, uncovered an ISIS hideout that contained explosives and weapons in al-Mansouriya in ​​Diyala province on September 21st. [Photo courtesy of the Iraqi Ministry of Defence]

"It is the largest ISIS stockpile of its kind of this high-impact toxic explosive," said Abu Ragheef.

On September 26th, the Hawks Intelligence Cell, together with the Anbar police’s tactical regiment, "raided three secret sites in the desert of Wadi al-Qadhf that contained chemical materials", according to Abu Ragheef.

During the operation, 360 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and 200 RPG-7 grenades were seized, he said.

"The chemical materials, explosives and weapons found in those sites were destroyed and the road was cut off for enemy remnants wishing to use them to launch terrorist attacks," he added.

Security successes

The discovery and disposal of these deadly materials is a "great achievement added to the series of quality accomplishments by the intelligence forces over the last few weeks with the help and co-operation of local residents", Abu Ragheef said.

These achievements included the killing of at least 10 senior ISIS leaders in international coalition airstrikes, which were based on reports by the Hawks Intelligence Cell, he said.

The strikes hit ISIS rest-houses and hideouts near the Allas and Ajil oil fields and the Tikrit fertiliser plant in Salaheddine province and Hawi al-Athim in Diyala, he said.

On Sunday, an ISIS leader who had served as the "general sharia officer" of the group's 'Wilayat Ninawa' was arrested after his hideout in a Baghdad suburb was raided, Abu Ragheef said.

"The operation came after the Iraqi intelligence had taken down dozens of ISIS sleeper and active cells in different areas of Ninawa, Salaheddine and Anbar, and the outskirts of Baghdad," he said.

Do you like this article?

1 Comment(s)
Comment Policy * Denotes Required Field 1500 / 1500

The reasons for the continued presence of the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) are as follows: 1. Exaggerations in the status of operation. The person in charge said they found 100 kilogrammes of nitrate ammonia and many other materials. To convince us of the news story, they have to take photos of those items and present them. 2. In the town of Heet, they found 4 tonnes, as per the news story. We ask that they take photos and present them to prove it. 3. It’s unfortunate that positions are magnified more than facts, but this is a negative thing that has negative results. It was previously reported that the security forces killed 100 ISIS members, but we didn’t see any photos of killed ISIS elements. 4. We value the sacrifices and efforts of all, but it’s very important that facts be extremely accurate so we can benefit from experiences and correct mistakes. Thanks a lot to the armed forces for their sacrifices. May God have mercy on our martyrs and heal our wounded soldiers! Thanks.

Reply