Iraqi security forces killed three remnants of the "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) in a military operation in Wadi al-Tharthar, an Iraqi military spokesman told Diyaruna Wednesday (April 1st).

Joint forces from the Salaheddine Operations Command, local police and Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), supported by Iraqi air cover, launched an operation Tuesday along seven tracks in Wadi al-Tharthar in western Salaheddine province, said command spokesman Brig. Gen. Firas Bashar Sabri.

The operation came after the command received intelligence reports and aerial reconnaissance information of ISIS movements in those areas.

"Our troops have conducted search campaigns for ISIS remnants and hideouts in desert areas stretching from eastern to western Wadi al-Tharthar, towards Hatra Island in southern Ninawa province," he added.

During the search, "a small enemy pickup truck was detected that was carrying dry food, medicines and fuel", he said, adding that Iraqi army aircraft destroyed it and killed the three militants inside the vehicle.

'Negligible' ISIS presence

The one-day operation also led to "the discovery of three rest-houses that were subsequently burned down, and the logistical support items they contained were destroyed", Sabri said.

There is "negligible" ISIS presence in al-Tharthar Island, which "does not pose any major threat to public security", he said.

Areas in western Salaheddine are largely secure, Sabri said. "Our forces are carrying out security duties on an ongoing basis to block the terrorists and strike them immediately."

"We have extensive air reconnaissance and intelligence efforts to monitor and track any unusual movements or activities and to intervene immediately to confront potential terrorist threats," he added.

"We work as a team, in co-operation with the local population, who also guides us to terrorist hideouts and provides assistance to deter terrorist plots," Sabri said, noting that their work will continue until the ISIS threat is completely eliminated.