Ghazi Faysal, a Peshmerga volunteer, told Esta Media Network that the Iraqi and Kurdish forces killed six ISIS militants during the operation.

“Clashes are ongoing,” he said.

Following attacks against civilians and security forces, the Iraqi and Peshmerga forces have increased joint operations against the militants in the disputed territories claimed by both Erbil and Baghdad.

Earlier this month, twenty-two members of the Peshmerga forces and three civilians were killed in the several ISIS attacks in the disputed areas.

Kurdish officials have long blamed a lack of coordination along a stretch of territory claimed by both Baghdad and Erbil for ISIS’ continued ability to wage deadly attacks.

Kurdish officials have long blamed a lack of coordination along a stretch of territory claimed by both Baghdad and Erbil for ISIS’ continued ability to wage deadly attacks.

Islamic State controlled roughly a third of Iraq between 2014 and 2017. Iraqi forces and Kurdish troops backed by U.S.-led Coalition forces as well as Shia militias defeated the militant group in 2017, but its members still roam areas of northern Iraq and northeastern Syria.

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