Three members of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service (CTS) were killed and four others wounded on Sunday, 24 May when an explosive device — attributed to the Islamic State (IS) militant group — detonated in a desert area of the northern province of Nineveh. The CTS confirmed the casualties in an official statement, adding that the device was left behind by IS remnants while its personnel were carrying out national duties.

What Happened in Nineveh

According to the CTS statement, the explosion occurred as the unit was operating in a desert zone within Nineveh province, a region that has historically been an IS stronghold. The service did not specify the exact location within the province but confirmed that the improvised explosive device was planted by IS militants. Despite the losses, the CTS declared it would press on with counter-terrorism operations, stating it remains committed to 'pursuing the remnants of terrorism and protecting the security and stability of Iraq.'

Parallel Operations in Kirkuk

Separately, the Iraqi military reported on Saturday that four IS militants were killed in coordinated aerial and ground operations in the northern province of Kirkuk. Iraqi F-16 fighter jets conducted two airstrikes on an IS hideout in the Wadi al-Shay area, killing three militants and destroying their position, according to a statement by the Iraqi Joint Operations Command's Security Media Cell. A subsequent ground search by an Iraqi army unit resulted in the killing of a fourth IS militant in the same area.

Pattern of Continuing IS Activity

These incidents are part of a persistent pattern of IS activity across northern Iraq. Although Iraq declared victory over IS in 2017, the group's remnants have continued to mount attacks against security forces and civilians in cities, deserts, and remote terrain. Earlier this month, the Iraqi air force conducted two airstrikes in the Hamrin mountain range in Kirkuk at 3:50 pm local time (12:50 GMT), killing three IS militants and destroying two hideouts. That operation was reportedly based on 'accurate intelligence' from the Military Intelligence Directorate, according to the Joint Operations Command.

Security Forces' Resolve

Authorities have intensified both aerial and ground campaigns against suspected IS cells since the 2017 declaration of victory. The CTS, regarded as Iraq's most elite counter-terrorism unit, has borne a disproportionate share of frontline casualties in these ongoing operations. This is at least the second confirmed CTS fatality incident in northern Iraq's desert zones in recent weeks, underscoring the enduring threat posed by IS sleeper cells and planted explosives in remote areas.

Iraqi security forces are expected to continue targeted operations across Nineveh, Kirkuk, and the Hamrin mountain range as part of sustained efforts to neutralise residual IS infrastructure.