Iraq

ISIS has likely reconstituted in areas in the southern Baghdad belt in a way that enables it to launch VBIED attacks against Baghdad.

Security forces have reportedly cleared “most” of al-Baghdadi sub-district and are preparing operations in Salah ad-Din to recapture Tikrit.

The ISF and Shi’a religious establishment responded to calls from security forces and tribal leaders in Baghdadi to reinforce them and break the ISIS siege of the town, which falls just outside of al-Asad airbase west of Hit.

ISIS continues its offensive in Anbar near the al-Asad Airbase.

Shi’a militias unresponsive to direction by the Iraqi state are undermining the authority of PM Abadi and might be threatening the political process in Iraq.

ISIS has launched major attacks in Anbar, Salah ad Din, and Ninewa over the last two days.

The deployment of Iraqi Shi’a militias to urban centers in Anbar was considered an important step in preventing the fall of Ramadi and other areas in the province to ISIS.

The contest for the main area of Baiji district and its western environs has escalated.

Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi is taking measures to empower the Baghdad-based Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) to assert control over the security of the capital.

The legislation of the National Guard Law, along with other conditions, were first demanded by Iraqi Sunni political leaders in exchange for their participation in PM Abadi’s government.