Iraqi intelligence forces recently arrested three ISIS militants in the Saladin province. This operation is part of the continuous operations by Iraqi security forces to rout out the persistent presence of ISIS in different parts of the country, especially in rural areas like Saladin, Diyala, and Kirkuk.

ISIS continued to exist in the regions even as Iraq declared its win against the group in 2017. This terrorist group has incessantly carried out a series of sporadic attacks, targeting military positions and civilians. This capture of militants shows how alert Iraq still is against the remnants of ISIS.

In the near past, Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) have been conducting operations against ISIS. In fact, many international partners have continued to back them. For instance, in early January 2025, the U.S.-led coalition and Iraqi forces launched a more concerted campaign against ISIS fighters in the Hamrin Mountains of Iraq. F-16s and F-15s carried out airstrikes while A-10s provided close air support to ground forces as they engaged militants who had taken shelter in a cave.

Between January and June 2024, ISF conducted several operations in coordination with the coalition, where many ISIS operatives were apprehended and most of the leaders were removed from key positions. 

ISF has been working very closely with its international partners like the U.S. and is being trained as well as having received logistical support to enhance its capabilities. Although ISIS does not control vast expanses of territories as it once did at its peak, the Iraqi forces have continued to engage in ensuring no resurgence by securing patrols throughout the country.

Although ISIS has encountered serious setbacks, it still sends threatening signals via low-intensity attacks using improvised explosive devices and sporadic cases of suicide bombers. 

ISIS can no longer take control of major territories during the peak times of 2015–2016, however, it holds a presence in most rural areas within Diyala and Kirkuk provinces. More recently, Iraq has encountered the challenge of both active militant groups and sleeper cells that are hidden within communities. Military operations and intelligence-led arrests have been and continue to be pursued by the government and its international partners to dismantle these networks.