Events in Iraq for the Week September 23-29 2016

As listed on the ISHM (Iraqi Security & Humanitarian Monitor) web site

Kirkuk Reported to be Forcing Returns of IDPs without Explanation as Conditions in Hawija Worsen  According to the UNHCR, officials in Kirkuk have pressed nearly 8,000 IDPs to depart the province since the beginning of September--allegations that the Kirkuk Provincial Council denies. At least 30 of these expelled families are living on the outskirts of farming villages north of Baquba in Diyala Province without access to adequate food, water, or medical care. The reason for the expulsions is under investigation after an agreement was reached between a Parliamentary Delegation and the Governor of Kirkuk, Najmaddin Karim, to allow the continued presence of IDPs in Kirkuk until the end of the year. Meanwhile, Iraqi Security Forces remain hesitant to clear Hawija (a city of about 100 thousand in Kirkuk Province) of ISIS militants despite deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

ISIS Increases Restrictions in Mosul as Joint Forces Continue Preparations  ISIS militants in Mosul are retaliating against citizens in the city for increased incidents of civil resistance and losses of supply routes that have heavily impacted the so-called Islamic State’s finances. According to sources in Ninewa Province, ISIS has imposed increased taxes on residents, has banned women from wearing veils in certain parts of the city out of concern for militant safety, and is blocking streets with concrete barriers and planting IEDs to slow the advancement of security forces ahead of impending operations to clear the city. On September 28, U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter announced that the United States will send 600 more troops to Iraq to “train and advise” Iraqi Security Forces during their preparations, bringing the total count of U.S. troops in the country to 5,262.

 Baghdad Sees an Uptick in Crime and Violence  Iraqi Security Forces remain overextended as they concentrate efforts to clear Mosul of ISIS militants. The focus has resulted in an uptick of violent crime, IEDs, suicide bombings, and theft in Baghdad where the security situation remains tenuous at best. See below for a readout of major crimes that have occurred in the city over the past week and a map of IED incidents across Iraq since September 23. 
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