Human Rights at Risk: The Security Vacuum in Iraq Fuels ISIL Resurgence and Threatens Civilians

Security Vacuum Areas Between the Kurdistan Region and the Federal Government: A Source of Danger and the Continuation of ISIL"

The Kurdish areas outside the administration of the Kurdistan Region and the border areas between them and the regions under the control of the federal government represent a weak point exploited by the terrorist organization ISIS to maintain its presence in several Iraqi provinces in the north and west of the country. Despite agreements to form joint forces between the Peshmerga and the federal army, these have not been implemented since their approval in 2021, as indicated by the former Secretary-General of the Ministry of Peshmerga. In this context, a security expert called for enhancing "air intelligence" to control the soft areas, explaining that ISIS has shifted its focus to North Africa while maintaining a small number of fighters inside Iraq.

The Problem in Security Vacuum Areas

A military expert stated that ISIS, as an international terrorist organization, has not been completely eradicated to this day, particularly from a media and military standpoint, despite the so-called "ISIS Emirate" being dismantled and losing its main headquarters and the provinces it controlled in Iraq. He noted that ISIS attacks have concentrated in several provinces, including Kirkuk, Diyala, Salah al-Din, and Nineveh, specifically in areas belonging to the Kurdistan Region but outside its control, referred to as "disputed areas," where ISIS exploits the security vacuum to hide and launch small-scale guerrilla operations.

He added that ISIS operations have decreased compared to previous years, with around seven terrorist operations conducted since the beginning of this year until mid-year. Security forces, particularly the Peshmerga, have managed to control ISIS's presence and movements; however, the threat from the terrorist organization persists due to the presence of families of its members in the Al-Hol camp and thousands of ISIS fighters in prisons in Iraq and Syria, as well as its existence as an international terrorist organization.

The expert pointed out that after the fall of the ISIS Emirate in 2017, there were two lines for the deployment of Peshmerga and federal army forces starting from the Iranian border in Khanqin to the Syrian border in the Suhailah area, covering a distance of 650 kilometers. There are vast empty spaces between these two lines, which have been exploited to build hideouts for training and launching attacks. These areas remain dangerous and threaten the security of both the federal government and the Kurdistan Region. An agreement was reached to form a joint force between both sides to fill the vacuum in those spaces in 2021, but it has yet to be implemented.

ISIS attacks have increased in Iraq against security forces in the north of the country, resulting in the deaths of several military personnel, including a senior officer. The organization’s militants carried out an attack with light weapons on a military point belonging to the Iraqi army in one of the villages of the Dibis district in Kirkuk province, north of Baghdad, resulting in the death of one soldier and the injury of three others. Prior to that, the organization’s members launched a violent armed attack on a military point between Diyala and Salah al-Din provinces, resulting in the deaths of six army personnel, including a battalion commander with the rank of colonel, in addition to injuring four others. A patrol was also attacked earlier near the Iraqi border with Syria in Anbar, with no injuries reported.

Soft Areas

The security expert confirmed that "ISIS has shifted its focus to West Africa in countries like Niger, Mozambique, and the Congo, among others. However, what is called 'the State of Iraq' still exists and is very important to them, as they have fighters inside Iraq." He stated that "most of ISIS fighters in Iraq are locals in very small numbers, and despite their small size, they have the capability to hide and launch limited attacks in scattered areas, specifically in soft regions."

The security expert emphasized the need to support security forces with surveillance aircraft to enhance air intelligence, which requires financial allocations from the Parliament, which must take this seriously and allocate what security forces need to develop their operations to ensure monitoring and pursuit of ISIS terrorist groups in difficult geographical areas.

ISIS still poses a threat in Iraq in terms of harassment and attacks on security units after the organization’s elements transformed into small detachments hiding in rugged areas, deserts, and valleys where it is difficult for security forces to conduct search operations. This highlights the need to activate intelligence efforts and utilize advanced technology such as drones and thermal cameras, as well as expanding the deployment of units in these areas to secure the rear lines of security forces, according to security specialists.

Human Rights Concerns

1. Safety of Civilians: The ongoing presence of ISIS poses a significant threat to civilians, particularly in disputed areas. The lack of security leads to human rights violations, including violence against non-combatants.

2. Displacement and Refugees: Many families have been displaced due to violence and insecurity, leading to a humanitarian crisis. Displaced persons often face inadequate living conditions and lack access to essential services.

3. Accountability for Violations: There is a lack of accountability for human rights violations committed by various actors, including ISIS, which undermines the rule of law and victims' rights to justice.

4. Access to Justice: Many individuals, especially in conflict zones, struggle to access legal representation and justice, violating their rights under international human rights law.

5. Marginalization of Minority Groups: Ethnic and religious minorities may face increased risks of discrimination and violence, particularly in areas where ISIS operates or has influence.

Suggested Solutions

1. Strengthening Security Measures: Increase the presence of security forces in vulnerable areas to protect civilians and deter ISIS activities. This includes enhancing intelligence operations to monitor and respond to threats effectively.

2. Humanitarian Aid and Support: Provide comprehensive support to displaced families, including access to housing, healthcare, and education. International organizations should coordinate efforts to deliver aid effectively.

3. Accountability Mechanisms: Establish independent bodies to investigate human rights violations and hold perpetrators accountable. This includes both ISIS members and local authorities who may fail to protect civilians.

4. Legal Assistance Programs: Implement programs to ensure that all individuals, especially in conflict-affected areas, have access to legal counsel and representation. This can be supported by NGOs and international legal organizations.

5. Community Engagement: Foster dialogue and collaboration between different ethnic and religious groups to promote understanding and reduce tensions. Community-led initiatives can help rebuild trust and social cohesion.

6. Monitoring and Reporting: Enhance the capacity of local and international organizations to monitor human rights conditions and report violations. This can help raise awareness and pressure authorities to act.

7. Support for Civil Society: Strengthen local NGOs and civil society organizations that advocate for human rights and provide support to victims. This includes financial support and capacity-building initiatives.

By addressing these human rights concerns and implementing the suggested solutions, Iraq can work towards creating a safer environment for its citizens and ensuring that their rights are protected amidst ongoing challenges.