LOW

Iraq – ISIS Remnants

Middle East Β· Insurgency Β· ISF/PMU vs IS cells

The Iraq – ISIS Remnants is an active conflict in Middle East, involving ISF/PMU vs IS cells. ongoing

Conflict Location
Intelligence Summary
β—† By ConflictZone Intelligence Desk Β· AI-assisted, editorially reviewed Β· How we verify β†’
LOW
Severity
Insurgency
Type
0
Headlines (48h)
9h
Last Updated

Current Status

ongoing

Situation 2026

Scattered ISIS cells conduct hit-and-run attacks, IED operations, and assassinations primarily in Anbar, Salah ad-Din, Nineveh, and Diyala provinces. The ISF and PMU conduct counterinsurgency operations with periodic sweeps through desert regions. ISIS uses propaganda to maintain recruitment and ideological presence despite military setbacks.

Background

ISIS (Islamic State) controlled significant territory in Iraq from 2014-2017 before being militarily defeated. However, remnant cells have persisted in rural and desert areas, conducting asymmetric warfare against Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). The group has transitioned from a territorial caliphate to a decentralized insurgency.

Humanitarian Impact

Low-intensity but persistent violence causes civilian casualties and displacement. Liberated areas continue reconstruction efforts with slow return of internally displaced persons. Economic instability and weak governance in some regions limit service delivery and aid distribution.

Outlook

ISIS remnants likely to persist as a low-level insurgent threat for the foreseeable future without major territorial ambitions. Improved ISF training and intelligence sharing could gradually erode the group's operational capacity. Risk of resurgence if regional instability increases or international attention wanes.

Key Actors

Iraqi Security Forces (ISF)Popular Mobilization Units (PMU)Islamic State (ISIS/IS)Iraqi GovernmentInternational Coalition (advisory role)Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG)
β—† FREE ACCOUNT

Track Iraq – ISIS Remnants and 65+ conflicts β€” free

Create a free account to save this conflict, get AI intel briefs every week, and set escalation alerts. No credit card.

Create free account β†’
Conflict Timeline
2014-06-10
ISIS Captures Mosul
ISIS seizes Iraq's second-largest city, declaring a caliphate across Iraq and Syria. This marks the beginning of organized ISIS territorial control in Iraq.
2017-07-10
Mosul Liberation Begins
ISF and coalition forces launch major offensive to retake Mosul from ISIS control. The operation becomes one of the largest urban battles of the war.
2017-07-21
ISIS Caliphate Collapses
With the fall of Mosul and loss of territorial control, ISIS's self-proclaimed caliphate effectively ends. The group transitions to insurgent operations and sleeper cells.
2018-12-09
Iraq Declares ISIS Defeated
Iraqi Prime Minister declares military victory over ISIS after regaining all captured territory. However, ISIS cells continue insurgent activities throughout the country.
2019-03-23
Final ISIS Territory Lost
SDF and coalition forces eliminate the last ISIS territorial holdout in Baghouz, Syria, though Iraqi remnants persist across the border.
2021-06-15
ISIS Insurgency Intensifies
ISIS cells conduct coordinated attacks and bombings across Iraq, killing dozens. PMU and ISF intensify counter-insurgency operations in rural areas.
2023-08-10
Ongoing Sleeper Cell Operations
ISF and PMU continue operations against ISIS sleeper cells hiding in mountainous regions and desert areas. Multiple arrests and weapons seizures reported monthly.
2024-01-15
ISIS Threat Remains Active
Intelligence reports confirm ISIS maintains operational capacity through decentralized cell networks. ISF/PMU maintain heightened security posture with regular counter-terror raids.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?
ISIS (Islamic State) controlled significant territory in Iraq from 2014-2017 before being militarily defeated. However, remnant cells have persisted in rural and desert areas, conducting asymmetric warfare against Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Popular Mobilization Units (PMU). The group has transitioned from a territorial caliphate to a decentralized insurgency.
Who are the parties involved in the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?
The main parties are ISF/PMU vs IS cells. ongoing
What is the current situation in the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?
Scattered ISIS cells conduct hit-and-run attacks, IED operations, and assassinations primarily in Anbar, Salah ad-Din, Nineveh, and Diyala provinces. The ISF and PMU conduct counterinsurgency operations with periodic sweeps through desert regions. ISIS uses propaganda to maintain recruitment and ideological presence despite military setbacks.
What is the humanitarian impact of the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?
Low-intensity but persistent violence causes civilian casualties and displacement. Liberated areas continue reconstruction efforts with slow return of internally displaced persons. Economic instability and weak governance in some regions limit service delivery and aid distribution.
What is the outlook for the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?
ISIS remnants likely to persist as a low-level insurgent threat for the foreseeable future without major territorial ambitions. Improved ISF training and intelligence sharing could gradually erode the group's operational capacity. Risk of resurgence if regional instability increases or international attention wanes.
Related Conflicts
⚑ FREE ALERT

Get notified when Iraq – ISIS Remnants escalates

Drop your email and we'll alert you the moment this conflict's status changes. No account needed, unsubscribe anytime.

Track Iraq – ISIS Remnants in Real Time

Get AI-powered intelligence briefs, escalation alerts, and live news from verified sources β€” updated every 5 minutes.

Open Live Map β†’