Iraqi Forces Begin Operation to Liberate Hawija from ISIS

The Iraqi Prime Minister's office announced that the country's military forces began the operation to liberate the town of Hawija at dawn on Thursday, September 21, which is considered one of the last towns under ISIS control in Iraq. According to the Associated Press, Haider al-Abadi's statement noted that the operation to liberate Hawija started just two days after Iraqi forces attacked ISIS positions in the western Anbar province, which is one of the major provinces of the country. Hawija is located 240 kilometers north of Baghdad in Kirkuk province, where it is estimated that about 800 to 1,500 ISIS fighters are still resisting. This town was also targeted by airstrikes from the U.S.-led military coalition a few weeks ago. The Associated Press reports that planning for the liberation of Hawija has been complicated due to political disputes among Iraq's security forces, Shiite militia groups, and Kurdish Peshmerga forces. This town is part of the Kirkuk governorate and has become a disputed area between the central government of Iraq and the autonomous Kurdistan Region in northern Iraq, a region that is expected to soon witness a referendum for independence. Meanwhile, General Yahya Rasool, spokesperson for the Iraqi army, announced that Kurdish Peshmerga forces are still participating in the operation to clear the area of ISIS militants despite recent tensions over Kirkuk. The Associated Press report continues with events in Anbar province, citing military coalition commanders against ISIS, stating that Iraqi forces recaptured the town of Rihana on Wednesday. They also announced that the U.S.-led military coalition, in cooperation with Iraqi forces, has targeted ISIS militants 29 times in Hawija and 34 times in Anbar province with airstrikes. In recent months, ISIS has faced significant losses, having lost Mosul, which was once its self-proclaimed capital, and is on the verge of complete defeat in Iraq with the fall of Tal Afar.