Baghdad, Iraq – As part of ongoing operations to pursue remnants of extremist groups, Lieutenant General Karim al-Tamimi, head of Iraq’s Counter-Terrorism Service, mourned on Sunday the death of First Lieutenant Hassan Khudair Zughair, who was killed while confronting ISIS terrorists in Kirkuk province. In an official statement, Lieutenant General al-Tamimi affirmed that Zughair “attained the honor of martyrdom in defense of the homeland.” He also praised Zughair’s courage and sacrifices on the battlefield. He renewed the pledge that the blood of the Service’s martyrs will fuel the continued fight against terrorism and the cleansing of Iraqi soil from their defilement.
“Alton Kupri” operations
This sacrifice comes at a time when the Counter-Terrorism Service is conducting extensive and intensive security operations. These operations began on Saturday in the Altun Kupri area, north of Kirkuk province. The military campaign aims to pursue remnants of the extremist organization, who have been using the complex terrain of this region as safe havens.
The current operations are receiving direct air support from Iraqi warplanes. These aircraft have carried out a series of precision strikes targeting ISIS hideouts. As a result, fierce clashes have erupted between elite forces and ISIS elements in areas bordering Erbil province, the capital of the Kurdistan Region.
Strategy to eliminate remnants
The Altun Kupri area is considered a strategic region that security forces are working to fully secure in order to cut off supply routes and movement for ISIS sleeper cells. These security operations are part of the “eliminating the remnants” strategy adopted by the security apparatus. The aim is to ensure that the organization cannot regroup or launch attacks targeting the security and stability of liberated cities.
