More information from the RPS consultant in Iraq

North of Iraq

In Diyala several kidnappings and low level IEDs were recorded as to was the discovery of a mass grave containing 25 victims. Neighbouring Salah ad Din saw ISF (Iraqi Security Forces) operations continue in the south, however a SVBIED did manage to detonate at a militia post just to the west of Samarra killing 22 people including militia volunteers. Further north in Tikrit IS launched another attack on the University, with clashes continuing until late morning, whilst ISF had to repulse an IS attack against the Baiji Refinery once more.

In the eastern province of Kirkuk 25 former ISF men were kidnapped by IS after it was believed that they were working with tribal leaders to oppose the IS.

Airstrikes continued in the northern province of Ninevah, as attacks continued against Sinjar mountain forcing Peshmerga soldiers into action forcing IS militants back. Closer to Mosul, reports stated more kidnapping and executions had occurred with 5 women killed by firing squad, with the IS also destroying a number of homes belonging to political figures. That aside 3 IS insurgents were reportedly killed by anti IS movements in the City.

Baghdad

West of Baghdad International airport, in the Abu Ghraib district an IED was found whilst in the city limits gunmen managed to kill a Traffic policeman. Elsewhere arrests were reported as well as the freeing an individual who had been kidnapped.

Al Anbar

Clashes continued in and around the Fallujah area as well as ISF operations which uncovered at least 300 IEDs. Reports suggest a major ISF offensive is imminent and as such IS commanders are reportedly fleeing the area.

In neighbouring Ramadi, IS launched several offensive operations however ISF managed to repulse all attacks resulting in losses on both sides.

Elsewhere in the province coalition airstrikes continued along the Euphrates river with IS targets being struck with large numbers of insurgents reportedly killed.

South of Iraq

A slight uptick in activity in the southern Provinces with arrests ops making up the majority of incidents, with arrests conducted in Dhi Qar, Diwaniyah and 72 in Karbala

Elsewhere a locally-manufactured "sound bomb" detonated outside a civilian home in the 100 Dar area of al-Majar al-Kabir, south of al-'Amarah - some damage was caused but no casualties reported and a young man was killed in a SAF attack on his home in the area of al-Badrawi, al-Majar al-Kabir district, south of al-'Amarah, with both incidents occurring in Maysan Province. In the northern most province of the southern region a grave containing up to 9 insurgent bodies was found in northern Babel Province, whilst an IED was recorded as injuring 4 in the Iskandariyah district of the province.

Basra

Local media sources indicate that supporters of regional status for Basra Province staged a protest in Liberty Square in the south of Basra City Saturday afternoon. The protestors criticized Vice President Nuri al-Maliki, who recently visited Basra City and spoke out against regional status for Basra.  The protest was well attended and peaceful.

Local media reporting indicates that gunmen shot dead a 63 year old man in the Dur al-Dhubatt area of Basra City late last night; the motivation for the attack is unclear.

Local sources reported that SAF (small arms fire) was heard this morning in the Five Mile Market area in northern Basra City. The SAF is believed to be commemorative fire at the funeral of Shi’a militia fighter killed recently in northern Iraq.

Media reporting indicates that Basra IPS (Iraqi Police Service) arrested 20 people on various criminal charges early this morning, including some for crimes such as firearms possessions, robbery and kidnapping. A female kidnap victim was also freed in Khor al-Zubayr. Later in the day to further arrests were made for an attempted robbery.

This information is provided by the RPS consultant who is on the ground in Northern Iraq at present. If you have any queries about this region please contact us at [email protected]

Photo: with thanks to: travel.nationalgeographic.com