LOW
Iraq – ISIS Remnants
Middle East · Insurgency · ISF/PMU vs IS cells
The Iraq – ISIS Remnants is an active conflict in the Middle East, involving ISF/PMU vs IS cells. According to recent reporting from international news agencies, ISIS remnant cells continue conducting sporadic attacks across Iraq, particularly in Anbar, Kirkuk, and Diyala provinces, with Iraqi Security Forces and Popular Mobilization Units maintaining counter-insurgency operations.
Intelligence Summary
Current Status
According to recent reporting from international news agencies, ISIS remnant cells continue conducting sporadic attacks across Iraq, particularly in Anbar, Kirkuk, and Diyala provinces, with Iraqi Security Forces and Popular Mobilization Units maintaining counter-insurgency operations.
Situation 2026
- AP reports ISIS cells remain active in rural areas of Anbar, Kirkuk, and Diyala provinces, conducting ambushes and IED attacks against security forces
- Reuters indicates the ISF and PMU continue counter-insurgency sweeps in suspected ISIS strongholds, though Tier 1 sources note these operations face logistical and intelligence challenges
- Al Jazeera reports ISIS has maintained limited territorial control in remote desert regions, though the organization no longer holds significant populated areas
- Multiple sources indicate attack frequency varies seasonally, with reports suggesting increased activity during periods of security force redeployment
- BBC reporting suggests ISIS recruitment and financing networks persist despite military degradation, complicating counter-terrorism efforts
Background
The Islamic State was militarily defeated by 2017 but transitioned into a clandestine insurgency, according to multiple Tier 1 sources. Reuters and AP have documented that ISIS cells have since conducted periodic attacks on ISF and PMU positions, as well as civilian targets. The conflict has resulted in an estimated 200,000+ casualties since the organization's emergence in 2013, per available casualty databases.
Humanitarian Impact
- UN agencies and ICRC reports indicate civilian populations in Anbar and Diyala remain vulnerable to crossfire and ISIS targeting, with limited humanitarian access in some areas per international NGO statements
- AFP reports internally displaced persons from earlier conflict phases remain in camps with ongoing protection concerns related to residual security threats
Outlook
Sources indicate ISIS is unlikely to reconstitute as a territorial entity but will likely persist as a dispersed insurgent network in the medium term. Sustained ISF/PMU operations, combined with improved intelligence sharing, may gradually degrade operational capacity, though analysts cited in Tier 2 outlets note complete elimination remains a long-term challenge.
Key Actors
Islamic State (ISIS/ISIL)Iraqi Security Forces (ISF)Popular Mobilization Units (PMU)Iraqi GovernmentCoalition advisors (US-led)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a war in Iraq right now?
Yes — the Iraq – ISIS Remnants is an active conflict currently rated LOW severity by ConflictZone. According to recent reporting from international news agencies, ISIS remnant cells continue conducting sporadic attacks across Iraq, particularly in Anbar, Kirkuk, and Diyala provinces, with Iraqi Security Forces and Popular Mobilization Units maintaining counter-insurgency operations.
Who is fighting in Iraq?
The main parties are ISF/PMU vs IS cells. According to recent reporting from international news agencies, ISIS remnant cells continue conducting sporadic attacks across Iraq, particularly in Anbar, Kirkuk, and Diyala provinces, with Iraqi Security Forces and Popular Mobilization Units maintaining counter-insurgency operations.
Why did the Iraq – ISIS Remnants start?
The Islamic State was militarily defeated by 2017 but transitioned into a clandestine insurgency, according to multiple Tier 1 sources. Reuters and AP have documented that ISIS cells have since conducted periodic attacks on ISF and PMU positions, as well as civilian targets. The conflict has resulted in an estimated 200,000+ casualties since the organization's emergence in 2013, per available casualty databases.
What is happening in Iraq today?
• AP reports ISIS cells remain active in rural areas of Anbar, Kirkuk, and Diyala provinces, conducting ambushes and IED attacks against security forces
• Reuters indicates the ISF and PMU continue counter-insurgency sweeps in suspected ISIS strongholds, though Tier 1 sources note these operations face logistical and intelligence challenges
• Al Jazeera reports ISIS has maintained limited territorial control in remote desert regions, though the organization no longer holds significant populated areas
• Multiple sources indicate attack frequency varies seasonally, with reports suggesting increased activity during periods of security force redeployment
• BBC reporting suggests ISIS recruitment and financing networks persist despite military degradation, complicating counter-terrorism efforts
How many people have died in the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?
• UN agencies and ICRC reports indicate civilian populations in Anbar and Diyala remain vulnerable to crossfire and ISIS targeting, with limited humanitarian access in some areas per international NGO statements
• AFP reports internally displaced persons from earlier conflict phases remain in camps with ongoing protection concerns related to residual security threats
Is Iraq safe to visit in 2026?
ConflictZone rates the Iraq – ISIS Remnants as LOW severity. Conditions in an active conflict can change quickly — check your government's current travel advisory before travelling, and see the live map for the latest reported incident locations.
What happens next in the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?
Sources indicate ISIS is unlikely to reconstitute as a territorial entity but will likely persist as a dispersed insurgent network in the medium term. Sustained ISF/PMU operations, combined with improved intelligence sharing, may gradually degrade operational capacity, though analysts cited in Tier 2 outlets note complete elimination remains a long-term challenge.