Iraqi security forces ramp up efforts to combat drug trafficking, ISIS remnants
Iraqi security forces have largely eradicated the Islamic State (ISIS) from the country, with only a few hundred militants remaining in remote areas, the head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell told Rudaw.
Major General Saad Maan stated in late February that some 400 to 600 ISIS militants are still dispersed across uninhabitable areas in the country, emphasizing that “[local] communities are rejecting their presence, and no one is harboring them.”
He further explained that “for over a year, we have not faced direct attacks from ISIS, and the number of explosions caused by improvised explosive devices (IEDs)” has been minimal, occurring only “a few times in non-urban areas.” He underscored that Iraqi forces “are taking the initiative [to strike first],” adding that they have “recently” carried out nine precision-guided airstrikes against ISIS cells.
As recently as mid-February, Iraq’s Security Media Cell announced the killing of at least two ISIS terrorists in airstrikes near Kirkuk. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the operation, describing it as “part of the ongoing Defeat-ISIS campaign” aimed at “disrupting and degrading” the group’s capabilities, and “ensuring its enduring defeat.”
Maan also highlighted key improvements in the Iraqi security forces’ capabilities, particularly in the areas of “arms, intelligence, and training.” He argued that Baghdad has been successfully “preventing ISIS terrorists from regrouping and launching attacks.”
In a different vein, the Iraqi security official stated that drug trafficking is “the most widespread crime” in Iraq. Maan highlighted that Erbil and Baghdad are working jointly and with regional neighbours to address the issue. Iraqi security apparatus rely on “highly-advanced cameras and drones” to tighten their grip on the borders, he explained.
The head of Iraq’s Security Media Cell also said that “drugs are almost exclusively imported” into Iraq and that there have been “failed attempts” to manufacture Crystal and Captagon – the most commonly used types of psychotropic substances – within the country.
Of note, Crystal is often referent to Crystal meth, however, it could also refer to other crystalline forms of drugs including MDMA and uncut Cocaine.
A research study published in July by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Regional Office reported that Iraq – including the Kurdistan Region – has recorded “a sharp increase in the trafficking and use of Captagon over the past five years.” The study revealed that Iraq saw a staggering 3,380 percent increase in Captagon seizures from 2019 to 2023, with over 4.1 tons of Captagon tablets seized in 2023 alone.
