Security forces and the Popular Mobilization Forces carry out a pre-emptive operation in al-Tharthar Island, east of Anbar

Baghdad, A joint force from the Popular Mobilization Forces and the security forces carried out a pre-emptive operation in Al-Tharthar Island, east of Anbar. The Commander of Eastern Anbar Operations in the Popular Mobilization Forces, Taher Al-Khaqani, said in a press statement: 'The operation aims to pursue ISIS sleeper cells and search desert areas within the sector of responsibility on an ongoing basis in order to enhance the sector's security and stability.' Al-Khaqani added: 'The operation involved brigades within the Eastern Anbar Operations Command, as well as units from the army, police, and tribal mobilization.' He continued: 'Our units are intensifying their deployment and security work with the advent of Eid al-Fitr, in order to miss any opportunity to target defenseless civilians.' Source: National Iraqi News Agency