Timeline of Islamic State insurgency in Iraq (2019)

The Islamic State insurgency in Iraq continued throughout 2019, marked by a shift in tactics and a persistent threat despite the group's territorial defeat in 2017. The insurgency involved hit-and-run attacks, ambushes, roadside bombings, and targeted assassinations, primarily in rural areas and the "Disputed Territories" between the Iraqi government and the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

Key Characteristics of the Insurgency in 2019:

• Decentralization: ISIS operated in smaller, more autonomous cells, making them harder to track and eliminate. This decentralized structure allowed them to maintain activity in various regions simultaneously.
• Exploitation of Security Gaps: The group exploited security vacuums, particularly in areas where coordination between Iraqi and Kurdish forces was weak or non-existent.
• Rural Focus: ISIS concentrated its operations in rural areas, leveraging the difficult terrain and weaker security presence to its advantage.
• Targeted Attacks: Attacks frequently targeted local officials, tribal leaders, and security personnel, aiming to destabilize communities and intimidate potential collaborators.
• Financial Operations: ISIS continued to engage in extortion, kidnapping for ransom, and illegal taxation to fund its operations.

Significant Events (Chronological):

(Note: Due to the dynamic and often unreported nature of insurgent activity, a comprehensive day-by-day account is impossible. The following represents a selection of notable incidents reported during 2019.)

• January-March: Increased ISIS activity reported in Kirkuk, Diyala, and Salahaddin provinces. Clashes between Iraqi security forces and ISIS militants resulted in casualties on both sides. Reports emerged of ISIS re-establishing checkpoints in certain areas.
• April-June: Operations "Will of Victory" launched by Iraqi security forces to target ISIS remnants in Anbar, Nineveh, and Salahaddin provinces. Dozens of militants were reportedly killed or captured during these operations.
• July-September: ISIS claimed responsibility for multiple attacks targeting Iraqi army patrols and infrastructure projects, particularly in the north of Iraq. Increased reports of IED attacks along major roadways.
• October-December: Large-scale anti-government protests swept across Iraq. ISIS exploited the security vacuum created by the protests to intensify its activities in some areas. The US raid that resulted in the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi took place in October, though this did not immediately halt insurgent activities. Continued operations by Iraqi security forces aimed at preventing ISIS resurgence.

Regional Impacts:

• Displaced Persons: The ongoing insurgency prevented the safe return of many internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes, particularly in areas previously controlled by ISIS.
• Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict exacerbated the existing humanitarian crisis in Iraq, hindering efforts to provide essential services to vulnerable populations.
• Political Instability: The insurgency contributed to the overall political instability in Iraq, hindering efforts to consolidate peace and reconciliation.

Counter-Insurgency Efforts:

• The Iraqi Security Forces (ISF), supported by the US-led Coalition, continued to conduct military operations targeting ISIS militants and their infrastructure.
• Efforts were made to improve coordination between Iraqi and Kurdish forces in the Disputed Territories.
• Community engagement programs were implemented to build trust and cooperation between local communities and security forces.

Conclusion:

Despite the territorial defeat of ISIS in 2017, the group's insurgency persisted throughout 2019, posing a significant threat to Iraq's security and stability. The insurgency was characterized by decentralized operations, exploitation of security gaps, and a focus on rural areas. The Iraqi government, with support from international partners, continued to combat ISIS remnants, but the group remained a resilient and adaptable threat.