Archive · 6 Oct 2026
Islamic State Attack Kills Iraqi Policeman Near Kirkuk
An attack hit an Iraqi federal police site near Hawija on Monday.
At least one officer was killed, and four others were hurt.
Security and army sources said the attackers used machine guns and sniper fire.
They said Islamic State militants were involved, but no one immediately claimed responsibility.
The site is about 70 kilometers southwest of Kirkuk.
The attack was the first reported Islamic State assault on Iraqi security forces since U.S. forces finished withdrawing from Iraq on September 30.
The United States says it will still provide targeted training and intelligence support.
Iraqi forces are now responsible for the country’s security and for dealing with Islamic State remnants.
At least one Iraqi federal policeman was killed and four others wounded in an attack on Monday.
The attack targeted a federal police site near Hawija, about 70 km southwest of Kirkuk.
Attackers used semi-automatic machine guns and sniper fire, according to security and army sources.
There was no immediate claim of responsibility, but sources said Islamic State militants were involved.
It was the first reported Islamic State assault on Iraqi security forces since U.S. forces completed their withdrawal on September 30.
- Who
- At least one Iraqi federal policeman was killed and four others were wounded; security and army sources said Islamic State militants were involved.
- What
- An armed attack targeted a federal police site.
- When
- Monday, October 5; the report does not specify the year.
- Where
- Near Hawija, about 70 km southwest of Kirkuk, Iraq.
- Why
- No motive was given, and there was no immediate claim of responsibility.
Security concerns
Continued support and Iraqi responsibility
Security after the withdrawal
Security concerns
Some officials warned that the loss of the coalition’s military presence could create a security vacuum and give Islamic State an opening to regain strength.
Continued support and Iraqi responsibility
Washington said it would continue targeted training and intelligence support, while Iraqi forces would take full responsibility for security and suppressing Islamic State remnants.
- Casualties
- At least one policeman killed and four wounded
- Target
- A federal police site near Hawija
- Distance from Kirkuk
- About 70 km (43 miles) southwest
- Weapons reported
- Semi-automatic machine guns and sniper fire
- Responsibility
- No immediate claim; sources said Islamic State militants were involved
- U.S. withdrawal
- U.S. forces completed their withdrawal from Iraq on September 30
- U.S. support after withdrawal
- Washington said it would continue targeted training and intelligence support