Iraq Situation Report

The Peshmerga are applying tactical pressure to ISIS on the ground east of Mosul and in northern Diyala.

Iranian-backed Iraqi Shi’a militias continue to voice their opposition to possible U.S. ground troops and the international anti-ISIS coalition.

The U.S. has expanded its military operations in Iraq. The targeting of Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) positions in southwest Baghdad indicates possible further targeting of ISIS in the vicinity of Baghdad by U.S airpower.

ISIS is targeting early signs of resistance in predominantly Sunni areas in northern Diyala and western Kirkuk, an area with strong tribal presence and historic presence of ISIS competitors like JRTN and Ansar al-Islam.

ISIS continues to test the security measures of the Iraqi Security Forces in Southern Iraq.

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is intent on regaining momentum. The Dhuluiyah fight will be a bellwether event for the Iraqi Sunni tribes in Salah ad-Din and for ISIS as well.

The Haditha operation represents a turning point in the counter-ISIS campaign. ISIS is now facing two significant counter-offensives in western and northern Iraq.

The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) are capitalizing on the momentum of the breaking of Amerli’s siege by launching an attack on Tikrit.