Updates for July 30-August 7, 2015
In the midst of a record heat wave, the ongoing deterioration of essential services including electricity, water, and sanitation services led to massive protests throughout the country this week. The majority of demonstrations were peaceful and led to authorities seeking long-term solutions.
The Islamic… Read more
Updates for July 31, 2015
The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs) continue to slowly progress with clearing operations in Anbar Governorate. Despite the progress, clashes remain violent and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is preventing civilians in Fallujah from fleeing the turmoil. Further… Read more
Updates for July 24, 2015
According to multiple reports, the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) carried out a number of executions against civilians in Mosul this week. These executions suggest that ISIS intends to portray itself as still in control of the city. Furthermore, ISIS likely seeks to… Read more
Updates for July 11-17, 2015
The situation in Haditha in western Anbar continues to be tense. As Ramadan ends and Eid al-Fitr begins, reports indicate government-provided humanitarian aid is not reaching all Haditha residents with questions about the distribution process inside the city. Militarily, ISIS is reportedly in the Alus… Read more
Updates for July 3-10, 2015
The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) is currently imposing a siege on the area of Haditha in western Anbar. The siege has been ongoing since June of 2014 as anti-ISIS forces including Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and tribes have withstood attacks. However, the… Read more
Updates for July 2, 2015
Clashes took place in western Anbar between the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). ISF have reportedly cleared the al-Joba area which is close to the center of Hit and al-Baghdadi which is home to the al-Asad airbase… Read more
Updates for June 20-26, 2015
Baghdad witnessed a number of attacks this week that were likely carried out by the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS). Those attacks coincide with the beginning of Ramadan and are intended to destabilize the capital. Meanwhile, some Iraqi students are enrolled in summer… Read more
Updates for June 13-19, 2015
A year after being displaced, up to 700 families have returned to the city of Tikrit. The city was cleared of ISIS in early April and the return of these families is a positive development. Tikrit’s displaced residents are mostly returning from Kirkuk, Samarra, and… Read more
Updates for June 6-12, 2015
The U.S. is deploying an additional 450 military advisors to Iraq. This decision comes in the aftermath of the May 17 fall of Ramadi and this mission and the advisors will be based in eastern Anbar province. The deployment of these advisors will likely boost… Read more
Updates for June 5, 2015
The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Popular Mobilization Units (PMUs) were able to secure the religious Shabaniyah visit in south central Iraq from ISIS attacks. These visits are traditionally targeted by ISIS in order to inflame sectarian tensions as most of the pilgrims are Shi’a.… Read more