Iraqi forces have begun the second phase of a search operation to clear desert areas along Iraq's border with Syria and Jordan of "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) remnants, Anbar Operations Command said Monday (April 29th).
Security forces have been conducting large-scale combing operations in the southern and western Anbar desert using underground explosives detectors, said Anbar Operations Commander Maj. Gen. Mahmoud al-Falahi.
“Iraqi forces started to penetrate into Wadi Houran, Wadi al-Qadhaf” and other parts of the desert, he told Diyaruna.
“Several hideouts found in a number of areas and mountainous caves in the targeted operations area were destroyed," he said, adding that five ISIS elements were arrested at a hideout.
“The operation will continue until all of its goals have been achieved,” he said.
