Isis Still Occupies Key Areas In Iraq

As ISIS looks to regroup and regain control of key areas in Iraq now that they have been defeated in Mosul, eyes should be on the central part of Kirkuk province, particularly Hawija where valuable oil resources can be accessed.

Despite the loss in Mosul, ISIS’s expansion remains one of the largest threats to Iraqi provinces. After almost two years, Hawija and its 500,000 majority Arab Sunnis still suffer from ISIS’s occupation.

What international groups must understand is that Hawija now represents the head of the ISIS snake that is extending into Iraqi territory both geographically and symbolically.

The strategic nature of Hawija may make it the second most important city to ISIS after Raqqa.