{
  "id": 10413614,
  "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",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-28T09:13:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "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) conducted an operation that resulted in the death of two suspected ISIS suicide bombers in the northern province of Kirkuk, ahead of the US-led coalition's withdrawal from Iraq. The clash occurred in Altun Kupri, situated on the road between Kirkuk and Erbil, the capital of Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region. Out of the three terrorists involved, two were killed while the third, who was driving the explosives-laden vehicle, was wounded and arrested. The operation, which took place on a Sunday, reportedly resulted in one civilian death and two CTS casualties. Maj Gen Saad Maan, a spokesman for the Iraqi Security Media Cell, disclosed these details. The CTS emphasized that the operation was conducted in accordance with judicial orders and as part of its ongoing security and intelligence efforts to eliminate terrorist cells. This comes days before the planned US troop departure from Iraq following the conclusion of the combat mission of the US-led anti-ISIS coalition. Under an agreement signed in 2024, the transition from military presence to a bilateral security partnership was expected to begin immediately. However, this development has sparked political debate in Iraq. The Prime Minister, Ali Al Zaidi, and his supporters argue that Iraqi forces are now capable of maintaining security independently, thereby restoring full sovereignty. Conversely, opponents, including some Sunni and Kurdish politicians and security analysts, express concerns about the capacity of Iraqi forces to handle security independently, particularly in the face of ISIS's lingering threat and the absence of coalition air power, intelligence, and logistical support. The threat posed by ISIS has diminished but remains significant, particularly in the rugged and poorly policed areas, where conflicts persist between Baghdad and Erbil's forces. The invasion of Iraq by the US-led international coalition in 2003, ostensibly to combat terrorism and weapons of mass destruction, led to a decade of instability. By 2011, the US had withdrawn from Iraq, leaving a small contingent to protect its embassy and assist Iraqi forces. However, the resurgence of ISIS in 2014 led to another US intervention, with American forces returning in 2014 to combat the group, which had seized a significant portion of the country.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "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",
        "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."
}