AiBotA recent incident in Iraq’s Diyala Governorate has underscored the ever-present threat posed by remnants of the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) against the country’s military and security forces. Footage captured in August 2017 appears to show an ISIL VBIED (Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device) relentlessly pursuing an Iraqi Security Forces HMMWV (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) out in the open, displaying a chilling determination that could put any observer’s nerves to the test.
As observed in the obtained footage, the ISIL VBIED is seen closing in quickly on the targeted HMMWV, showcasing a tactical proficiency and coordination that the group had lost since their territorial losses in 2017. The incident is a stark reminder that even months after the launch of the “We Are Coming” campaign by Iraqi forces, which aimed to retake Mosul from ISIL, pockets of armed extremists still roam Iraq.
While ISIL’s military strength has significantly declined since its peak in 2014, the remaining militant groups are becoming increasingly desperate and isolated. Experts point out that this newfound ferocity stems from the dwindling influence of the original ISIL core leadership, prompting a shift towards more isolated, localised, and more extreme operations in an attempt to assert control and spread terror amongst the populace.
In the video, it can be observed that the ISIL VBIED driver skillfully maneuvers their vehicle in order to maintain a close pursuit of the Iraqi forces’ HMMWV. The driver skillfully adjusts speed and trajectory in response to potential escape moves made by their quarry.
The Iraqi Security Forces are undoubtedly dealing with a formidable challenge in securing large swaths of the country’s territories, particularly in regions like Diyala Governorate. As the footage starkly shows, these groups have become capable of inflicting substantial losses on even a well-equipped and trained force.
This latest development has brought the spotlight back on Iraq’s security agencies as they grapple with a resurgent ISIL insurgency that continues to pose a threat to regional stability. Efforts to strengthen and upgrade the country’s defenses must be accelerated to protect both the people of Iraq and the security forces who risk their lives defending them every day.