An Iraqi security source reported today, Saturday, that a strict cordon was enforced around hills deep in the Lower Zab area in Kirkuk Province following nighttime airstrikes. The source stated that "joint security formations imposed a cordon around hills in the depths of the Lower Zab at the outskirts of Kirkuk after intense nighttime airstrikes targeted more than one ISIS target, including a cell that was trying to move between a depression in the high hills."
The source added that "a joint force began combing the bombed areas after reports emerged that several ISIS militants were killed and more than one hideout was destroyed," noting that "the combing operation is taking place in two directions and deep into the area to monitor any suspicious movements and kill or capture any terrorist caught in those rugged areas."
He indicated that "the number of ISIS casualties is not yet known, pending field reports from the combing operation, which will take some time to reach the airstrike locations, estimated to be between 2-3 according to initial reports." He confirmed that "one of the strikes targeted a cell led by Abu Osama, who is one of the most important and prominent ISIS leaders within what is known as the Kirkuk province, but it is not known whether he was killed or not."
Earlier today, the Joint Operations Command announced the elimination of a terrorist group along with its entire arsenal in an airstrike carried out by the Air Falcons, specifically the F-16s, in the Kirkuk/Lower Zab operational area, confirming that the Falcons turned the ISIS members of the group into ashes.
