'Combat operations have reached a level we haven't seen in a while,' says Iraqi security expert Hisham al-Hashemi.
LINKS. Iraq sentences more than 600 people suspected of links to the militant group a year after the end of a 3-year war against the jihadists. Photo from Shutterstock
"Combat operations have reached a level we haven't seen in a while," said Iraqi security expert Hisham al-Hashemi. "What's happening now is taking us back to 2014," he said, referring to the year when IS seized swathes of the country in a lightning offensive.In part, the escalation may be linked to security units being redeployed to enforce a nationwide lockdown aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus, which has infected more than 2,000 people and killed over 90 in Iraq.
Abu Raghif and the Kirkuk intelligence officer said a significant troop drawdown by the 7,500-strong US-led coalition had also paved the way for IS to boost attacks. Despite years of training, the US Defense Department assessed this year that Iraqi troops were still unable to adequately collect and use intelligence in anti-IS raids on their own, or maintain operations in tough terrain without coalition help.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lufthansa hopeful on deal for German state aidLufthansa says it has held 'intense and constructive exchanges' with the German government, and the talks 'could be concluded in the near future.' coronavirus
Read more »
PNP records 104 cases of attacks, discrimination vs health workers amid COVID-19 crisis
Read more »
'Once Upon a Virus': China mocks US virus response in Lego-like animation
Read more »
Pompeo says 'enormous evidence' coronavirus came from Wuhan labUS Secretary of State Mike Pompeo declines to say whether he thought the virus had been intentionally released. COVID19
Read more »
US processes over $500 billion in small business loans to stem virus fallout
Read more »
Maintenance tips for a virus-idled car
Read more »