Iraq forces hunt down militants near Syria border

By Sulaiman al-Qubaisi

BAGHDAD

The Iraqi military on Saturday launched two operations to hunt down militants in western Iraq’s desert area near border with war-torn Syria, according to a military officer.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Iraqi commander Mahmoud al-Falahi said the first operation aims to clear the area south of Rutba city from militants.

The second operation targets the area south of Al-Tharthar lake, north of Anbar province, he said.

“Security forces seek to hunt down and arrest terrorists holed up in the desert area from which they launch attacks,” he said.

Last December, officials in Baghdad declared that Daesh’s military presence had been all but destroyed. It appears, however, that the notorious terrorist group still maintains an active presence in parts of northern and western Iraq.