SOUTHWEST ASIA, Aug. 1, 2020 —
July 31, 2020
Release No. 20200731-01
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thousands of Iraqi Security Forces cleared more than 250 villages and sites across more than 17,000 square kilometers in search of ISIS hideouts during Operation “Heroes of Iraq 4” in Diyala Province, Iraq, July 11-28.
The operation included elements from: Iraqi Army, Iraqi Special Operations Forces, Counter Terrorism Services, Iraqi Army Aviation, Rapid Response Division, Federal Police, Popular Mobilization Units, Iraqi Security and Intelligence agencies, Iraqi Air Force, and the Peshmerga.
“Under the guidance of the Prime Minister and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, al-Kazemi, and under the supervision of the Joint Operations Command-Iraq, Iraqi Security Forces commenced Operation “Heroes of Iraq” Phase 4,” said the Iraqi Ministry of Defense in a statement. “The operation aimed to purge Daesh remnants and secure and stabilize Diyala province, areas along the administrative borders with the Kurdistan region (KRG), Samara and Salah Ad-Din provinces and the common borders with Iran.”
The operation was conducted in three major phases during the month of July. During the course of the operation, ISF forces captured and destroyed hundreds of ISIS weapons and ammunition, vehicles, and disabled more than 90 improvised explosive devices, preventing their use in future terrorist attacks against Iraqi citizens. They also arrested or killed several enemy fighters, and destroyed more than 60 operating sites, denying ISIS criminals the means to freely move and hide equipment and fighters. Sadly, in their pursuit of terrorists, several brave Iraqi heroes were killed and several others wounded.
The operation included close cooperation between Diyala Operations Command leaders and the Peshmerga, to coordinate joint security operations to stabilize the boundaries between Federal Security Forces and the Peshmerga region guards. This coordination led to the prevention of terrorist groups’ movement and operations in the region and associated border areas.
The operation was enabled by the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve Military Advisor Group. The MAG consists of advisors from 13 Coalition nations, working side-by-side with Iraqi operational command liaison officers in one centralized Baghdad location. Coalition advisor teams provide specialized planning mentorship to ISF directorates overseeing operations, logistics, intelligence, aviation and other military functions.
“As we’ve seen with previous Heroes of Iraq operations, the ISF continue to prove their commitment and effectiveness in their efforts to defeat Daesh,” said U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Ryan Rideout, MAG director. “We remain committed to our partners as we collaborate on intelligence sharing, mission planning, and other specialized support to enable their efforts for a secure and stable future for the people of Iraq.”
Operation Heroes of Iraq 4 was the latest large-scale ISF operation that compliments the near-daily missions by the ISF to defeat the evils of terrorism in their country. The ISF continue to demonstrate their anti-Daesh combat capability in effective operations, frequently without Coalition involvement, relying on Iraqi intelligence and the Iraqi Air Force. In 2020, they have conducted more than 1,400 missions to defeat Daesh remnants and provide a safe and stable region for the people of Iraq.
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