Iraq F-16 airstrikes intensified on Sunday after a Counter-Terrorism Service officer lost his life during an operation north of Kirkuk. Consequently, Iraqi warplanes launched three additional strikes against Islamic State hideouts as security forces expanded efforts to eliminate remaining militant positions.
The Iraqi Joint Operations Command announced that F-16 fighter jets carried out the latest attacks only hours after clashes erupted during a ground mission. Security forces had entered the area to inspect locations targeted in earlier air raids conducted on Saturday.
According to the command, a Counter-Terrorism Service unit searched the bombed sites when militants suddenly engaged the force. During the confrontation, First Lieutenant Hassan Khudair Zughair lost his life while another militant died in the exchange.
The Counter-Terrorism Service later confirmed the officer’s identity and honored his sacrifice. Service chief Karim al-Tamimi praised Zughair for his dedication to protecting Iraq. He stated that the officer died while defending the country against terrorism.
Furthermore, Tamimi extended his condolences to Zughair’s family, friends, and fellow service members. He also reaffirmed the force’s commitment to eliminating every remaining Islamic State cell operating inside Iraq.
Following the deadly clash, Iraqi commanders ordered additional military action. Therefore, Iraq F-16 airstrikesresumed at approximately 10:45 a.m. on Sunday. Fighter aircraft targeted the remaining militant shelters and hideouts in the same operational area.
Military officials said the strikes focused on locations situated along the boundary between federal Iraq and the Kurdistan Region. Authorities believe militants have continued using the rugged terrain to conceal movement and maintain isolated positions.
Moreover, the Joint Operations Command explained that intelligence from the Iraqi National Intelligence Service guided the latest mission. Security agencies also coordinated closely with the Counter-Terrorism Service throughout the operation.
In addition, the Kurdistan Region’s Commando Forces supported the mission through joint coordination and intelligence sharing. Officials emphasized that cooperation between federal and regional security institutions remains essential during counterterrorism operations.
Military leaders stated that search teams continue examining the targeted locations. They also confirmed that authorities will announce the final assessment after completing field inspections and battle damage evaluations.
Investigators expect the assessment to determine the number of militants killed or injured. Officials also hope the searches will uncover weapons, explosives, communication devices, and additional evidence linked to Islamic State activities.
The latest military action reflects Iraq’s continuing campaign against the extremist group. Although Iraqi forces declared the territorial defeat of Islamic State in 2017, security officials continue confronting scattered militant cells across several provinces.
Islamic State captured vast areas of northern and western Iraq during its rapid offensive in 2014. However, Iraqi security forces later reclaimed those territories through years of coordinated military operations supported by international partners.
Today, the group mainly operates through sleeper cells and small mobile units. Militants frequently exploit remote deserts, mountains, and rural districts to avoid direct confrontation with security forces.
As a result, Iraqi military units regularly conduct intelligence-driven raids, surveillance missions, and precision airstrikes against suspected militant positions. These operations aim to disrupt extremist networks before they can organize larger attacks.
The latest Iraq F-16 airstrikes demonstrate the military’s continued focus on preventing the resurgence of Islamic State. Officials maintain that cooperation between intelligence agencies, air force units, and ground forces remains critical to securing vulnerable areas and protecting local communities from future threats.
