IRAQ: ISIS attacks Popular Mobilization Forces in Babylon Province

BABYLON, Iraq — The Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Iraq announced that one of its members was killed and another wounded while responding to an attack of the Islamic State (ISIS) in northern Babylon (Babil) Province.

In a statement issued by the Popular Mobilization Authority, the umbrella organization tasked with managing the various militias that make up the PMF, the 45th Brigade thwarted an ISIS attack in the north of Babylon Province.

According to the statement, the attack took place in the Jurf al-Nasr area. The Sunni Jurf al-Nasr area was held by ISIS for years and ISIS was able to take root there among Sunni Arabs resisting Shiite dominance.

Since the beginning of 2020, the attacks of suspected ISIS militants in Iraq have increased, especially in the area between Kerkeslokh (Kirkuk), Salah al-Din, and Diyala.

In 2017, Iraq declared victory over ISIS after reclaiming all territory occupied by the group since its rapid spread in the summer of 2014. At its peak, ISIS controlled roughly a third of the country’s territory.

Despite no longer openly holding territory, ISIS sleeper cells still operate in many areas of Iraq and routinely launch attacks.