{
  "id": 10408886,
  "title": "Iraq counterterror forces kill ISIS fighters ahead of US-led coalition departure",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/iraq-counterterror-forces-kill-isis-fighters-ahead-of-us-led",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-28T09:13:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/09/28/iraq-counterterror-forces-kill-isis-fighters-ahead-of-us-led-coalition-departure/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Iraq's Counterterrorism Service (CTS) has executed a strike against two suspected ISIS suicide bombers in the northern province of Kirkuk, just prior to the anticipated departure of US troops from Iraq. The CTS reported that their forces engaged in combat with three ISIS \"remnants\" in the town of Altun Kupri, located north of Kirkuk city. Two of the terrorists, both wearing belts with explosives, were killed, while their driver was wounded and subsequently arrested. No information was provided regarding their nationalities.\n\nMaj Gen Saad Maan, a spokesperson for the Iraqi Security Media Cell, later disclosed that a civilian was killed and two CTS members sustained injuries during the clashes on Sunday. The CTS claimed that the operation adhered to judicial orders and was part of their ongoing security and intelligence efforts to eradicate terrorist groups. The statement emphasized the CTS's commitment to maintaining Iraq's security and the safety of its people through \"qualitative operations\" aimed at pursuing remnants of terrorism.\n\nAltun Kupri is situated along the road connecting Kirkuk and Erbil, the capital of Iraq's semi-autonomous Kurdistan region. Despite ISIS's territorial defeat in Iraq since late 2017, remnants continue to operate in small cells in remote areas, particularly in deserts and valleys. Such clashes in urban areas are uncommon.\n\nThis operation occurred just before the scheduled withdrawal of US troops on Wednesday, following the conclusion of the combat mission of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition in Iraq. An agreement signed in 2024 between Baghdad and Washington outlines a transition from a military mission to a bilateral security partnership, focusing on advice, training, and intelligence sharing. US forces have already evacuated several bases in Iraq and will maintain a reduced presence in Kurdistan until September 30, continuing operations against ISIS in Syria. This move has sparked intense political debate within Iraq. Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi's government and its supporters argue that Iraqi forces are now capable of independently maintaining security, thereby restoring full sovereignty. However, opponents, including some Sunni and Kurdish politicians and security analysts, express concerns about the Iraqi forces' ability to contain ISIS without coalition air power, intelligence, and logistical support. They also argue that withdrawal could create security gaps, particularly in the rugged and poorly policed areas still contested between Baghdad and Erbil.",
  "summary": "Iraq 's Counterterrorism Service (CTS) has killed two suspected ISIS suicide bombers in the northern province of Kirkuk, days before the planned withdrawal of US troops from the country. The CTS said its forces clashed with three terrorists from the “remnants” of ISIS in the town of Altun Kupri, north of Kirkuk city. Two of them, who were wearing belts laden with explosives, were killed, while…",
  "key_points": [
    "Iraq Counterterrorism Service kills two ISIS suicide bombers in Kirkuk.",
    "One civilian killed, two CTS members injured during clashes.",
    "Operation precedes US-led coalition's withdrawal from Iraq."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Iraq counterterror forces kill ISIS fighters ahead of US-led coalition departure",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/28/iraq-counterterror-forces-kill-isis-fighters-ahead-of-us-led-10413614",
        "published": "2026-09-28T09:13:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}