Three "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) elements were arrested and six ISIS safe houses were destroyed in operations aimed at securing the Kirkuk-al-Hawijah highway, the Iraqi Interior Ministry said on Monday (July 23rd).
Federal Police forces carried out a security operation over the past two days in mountainous areas, villages and valleys southwest of Kirkuk, ministry spokesman Brig. Gen. Saad Maan told Diyaruna.
"Iraqi forces are launching these operations to establish security, clear rough terrain southwest of Kirkuk, and prevent ISIS from returning or regrouping in those areas," he said.