Iraq ISIS Remnants Live Tracker Map 2026

Conflict Location

Intelligence Summary

LOW

Severity

Insurgency

Type

1

Headlines (48h)

138h

Last Updated

Current Status

Active - Low Intensity

Situation 2026

ISIS remnant cells are conducting sporadic attacks including IEDs, ambushes, and assassinations targeting ISF and PMU personnel. Operations are primarily concentrated in Anbar, Nineveh, and Salah ad-Din provinces. The group maintains limited territorial control and relies on hit-and-run tactics and clandestine networks.

Background

ISIS maintained a significant presence in Iraq following its territorial defeat in 2017. Remnant cells continue to operate in rural and mountainous regions, particularly in northern and western Iraq, conducting asymmetric attacks against Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Popular Mobilization Units (PMU).

Humanitarian Impact

Civilian casualties remain low due to reduced territorial control. Displaced populations in liberated areas face challenges with reconstruction and return. Mines and unexploded ordnance pose ongoing threats to civilian populations and aid delivery.

Outlook

ISIS cells are likely to maintain low-level insurgent activity in the medium term. Iraqi security forces have improved counterinsurgency capabilities, but resource constraints and coordination challenges between ISF and PMU may limit effectiveness. De-radicalization and integration programs may help reduce recruitment.

Key Actors

Iraqi Security Forces (ISF)Popular Mobilization Units (PMU)Islamic State (IS) remnant cellsUS-led CoalitionIraqi GovernmentKurdish Peshmerga

Latest Headlines

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Conflict Timeline

2014-06-10

ISIS Captures Mosul

ISIS seizes Iraq's second-largest city, declaring a caliphate and triggering the broader conflict. This marks the beginning of the major ISIS insurgency in Iraq that would lead to years of counterterrorism operations.

2017-07-10

Mosul Liberation Campaign

ISF and coalition forces launch major offensive to retake Mosul from ISIS control. The nine-month battle becomes one of the largest urban warfare operations, resulting in significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

2017-12-09

ISIS Territorial Defeat Declared

Iraq officially declares victory over ISIS after recapturing all major cities and territories. However, ISIS cells continue insurgent activities in rural and desert regions across Iraq and Syria.

2019-10-29

PMU Integration into ISF

Iraqi parliament votes to integrate Popular Mobilization Units into the official security forces. This aims to create a unified command structure against remaining ISIS cells and other militant groups.

2021-06-15

ISIS Leader Al-Baghdadi Dead Confirmed

Death of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi officially confirmed, with ISIS naming successor. Remnant cells continue decentralized operations across Anbar and Nineveh provinces.

2022-08-01

ISIS Prison Breaks Attempted

ISIS conducts coordinated attacks on detention facilities holding ISIS fighters in Hasaka and Baghdad. The incidents highlight vulnerabilities in managing tens of thousands of detained extremists.

2023-03-15

Increased Rural ISIS Activity

ISF and PMU report escalation in ISIS suicide bombings and ambushes in Diyala and Salah ad-Din provinces. ISIS cells exploit security gaps between fragmented security forces.

2024-01-10

Ongoing Counterinsurgency Operations

ISF and PMU continue joint operations against estimated 3,000-5,000 remaining ISIS fighters across western Iraq. Security situation remains volatile with periodic ISIS attacks on civilians and military targets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?

ISIS maintained a significant presence in Iraq following its territorial defeat in 2017. Remnant cells continue to operate in rural and mountainous regions, particularly in northern and western Iraq, conducting asymmetric attacks against Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) and Popular Mobilization Units (PMU).

Who are the parties involved in the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?

The main parties are ISF/PMU vs IS cells. Active - Low Intensity

What is the current situation in the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?

ISIS remnant cells are conducting sporadic attacks including IEDs, ambushes, and assassinations targeting ISF and PMU personnel. Operations are primarily concentrated in Anbar, Nineveh, and Salah ad-Din provinces. The group maintains limited territorial control and relies on hit-and-run tactics and clandestine networks.

What is the humanitarian impact of the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?

Civilian casualties remain low due to reduced territorial control. Displaced populations in liberated areas face challenges with reconstruction and return. Mines and unexploded ordnance pose ongoing threats to civilian populations and aid delivery.

What is the outlook for the Iraq – ISIS Remnants?

ISIS cells are likely to maintain low-level insurgent activity in the medium term. Iraqi security forces have improved counterinsurgency capabilities, but resource constraints and coordination challenges between ISF and PMU may limit effectiveness. De-radicalization and integration programs may help reduce recruitment.

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