Battle of Anbar: Update

Iraqi Security Forces, including U.S.-trained Iraqi Army units, have made some advances in east and south of Ramadi. Backed by U.S.-led airstrikes, Iraqi forces took an ISIL command post at the University of Anbar, south of the city. The advance into the city, however, has apparently slowed down in the face of strong defense by the Islamic State fighters.

The situation is less favorable in Fallujah area. Iran-led Shia militia offensive to take the city has apparently stalled due to ISIL’s stiff resistance. Meanwhile, ISW reports that should the Iranian proxies be redeployed from Fallujah to Diyala because of deteriorating situation in that province that borders Iran, anti-ISIL Fallujah operation may lose further momentum. (ISW, Iraqi Situation Report; July 24-27, 2015).

Last August, Islamic State insurgents occupied Jalula, only 19 miles from the Iranian border, and were poised to move toward the border city of Khanaqin, when a Quds Force-led counter-offensive drove them out of the area. Iran does not want to see a resurgence of ISIL so close to its border and now it faces a dilemma. If it redeploys significant number of the Shia militia to Diyala, it risks losing the Battle of Fallujah. Keeping the militia in Anbar risks further deterioration of the situation in Diyala.

File photo: An Shia militiaman holds position north of al-Kamra, near Fallujah, 14 April 2015 (AFP/Press TV) 

Iran Vows to Attack Islamic State ‘Deep’ in Iraq - If Militants Were to Approach Iran Border

Gen. Ahmad Reza Pourdastan, commander of Iranian army ground force, said Iran will not allow the Islamic State militants to approach Iranian border. ISIL controls a swathe of territory in north of Baghdad, including in Diyala province, which has long borders with Iran. The province’s Khanaqin city is the major border crossing between Iran and Iraq, and the Islamic State’s forces are positioned within miles of the city.

“If the terrorist group (Islamic State) comes near our borders, we will attack deep into Iraqi territory and we will not allow it to approach our border,” Gen. Pourdastan said. (IRNA, 27 September)

The Iranian areas bordering Diyala have majority Sunni population; and the Islamic State’s advances have so far been directed at Sunni dominated areas in Iraq and Syria. hence the concern in Tehran; the militants could potentially pose a threat against the Iranian Sunni provinces.

File photo: Islamic State militants in Diyala province. (Al Alam)