Iraq: IS claims responsibility for August 7 Anbar attack

Event

The Islamic State (IS) has claimed responsibility for an attack carried out against a Shi'a militia group, Sayyid al-Shuhada, which killed approximately 40 people and wounded 30 others in Anbar province on Monday, August 7. The group is also said to have taken one fighter captive. IS stated that the attack was part of a three-pronged strategy, which included a suicide bombing and fighters storming the militiamen's positions.

The Shi'a militia group had initially blamed US-led coalition forces for the attack. However, a spokesperson for the coalition and the Iraqi authorities have dismissed the allegations as inaccurate.

Context

Sayyid al-Shuhada is one of the several dozen militia groups that are part of Iraq's Popular Mobilization Units, operating alongside the US-backed coalition to fight IS in Iraq. While Iraqi security forces have retaken the cities Ramadi and Fallujah, IS still controls parts of western Anbar province and poses a significant security threat.

Advice

Individuals throughout Iraq are advised to remain vigilant due to the high risk of terrorist attacks and militant activity. The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is permissible in some areas, other areas should be considered strictly off limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.