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The Iraqi government is preparing defenses for the Battle of Baghdad as Ramadan approaches. The government’s plan will also likely include the deployment of Iraqi Shi’a militias. ISIS’s gains in Ramadi indicate the increasing threat to the city.
There are indications that ISIS is about to launch into a new offensive in Iraq. ISIS published photos of a military parade through the streets of Mosul on June 24, 2014 showcasing US military equipment, including armored vehicles and towed artillery systems.
The Iraqi police are reportedly back on duty in al-Alam after anti-ISIS Iraqi Sunni tribes cleared ISIS from the area on June 26.
ISIS resumed its effective spectacular attacks in Baghdad, which had dropped since the fall of Mosul. The mobilization of Iraqi Shi'a militias and deployment of CTS in Baghdad organization have not neutralized ISIS’ attack capabilities in the capital.
The ISIS elements departed Alam and the area is controlled by Anti-ISIS Iraqi Sunni Tribes. See today’s Iraq Situation Report for more details.
The situation in Alam remains unclear and fluid. The area was a pocket of Iraqi Sunni tribal resistance to ISIS recently, the area is under watch rather than Contested because there are no reports of clashes and no evidence of ISIS presence inside the area
ISIS is pursuing objectives closer to Baghdad, attacking Balad Airbase while maneuvering around the facility. This will impede the ability of IA Aviation to support isolated ISF contingents. ISIS most likely activated a contingent previously placed in the vicinity of Balad. If successful, ISIS could gain important military and aviation assets at the base.
ISF and possible Iraq Shi'a militias cleared Udhaim in Diyala province. Nukhaib in Anbar province is important given the possibility of an ISIS push towards southern Iraq.
ISIS has not culminated. ISIS has shifted its efforts toward western Iraq, and the fall of border crossings in Anbar to ISIS is a sign of the further collapse of the Iraqi state.