A member of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (ICTS) was killed in action early this morning during a joint counter-terrorism operation with the Kurdistan Commando Forces in the Qara Salem area of the Dubiz district.

According to military and local media reports, the joint forces engaged in direct combat with Islamic State (ISIS) members while conducting a sweep operation aimed at neutralising active terror cells in the region.

Intelligence-Led Joint Deployment

According to reporting from Channel8, the security sweep was launched in the early hours of the morning following the receipt of precise intelligence indicating recent ISIS activity in the border sector.

The strategic parameters of the joint deployment included:

• A coordinated maneuver between regional Kurdistan Commando Forces and federal Iraqi Anti-Terrorism personnel.
• A systematic sweep of the Qara Salem territorial sector within the Dubiz district boundaries.
• The location and dismantlement of covert safe houses utilized by ISIS remnants.

Direct Engagement and Casualties

During the clearance operation, joint forces encountered a group of ISIS militants, triggering an intense firefight. One operative from the Iraqi Anti-Terrorism Service sustained fatal injuries during the clash. Security forces have since deployed reinforcements to the perimeter to secure the area and pursue the remaining militants who fled into the surrounding terrain.

Strategic Significance of the Sector

The Qara Salem area, which falls under the administration of the Dubiz district in Kirkuk province, is located approximately 20 kilometers north of the town of Altun Kupri (Prde). This border zone has historically served as a security corridor between federal and regional jurisdictions, making continuous joint operations vital to preventing insurgent groups from establishing permanent operational bases.