Hashd al-Shaabi says it seized and destroyed an ISIS headquarters in Anbar desert

BAGHDAD, Iraq — The First Brigade of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) carried out a wide-ranging military operation across the Anbar desert, reaching the border of the Salahaddin operations area, a brigade commander said. Brigade commander Salam Suleiman al-Muhallawi said the operation was launched to track Islamic State (ISIS) elements in the region. During the operation, forces located an ISIS headquarters, a fuel depot and a motorcycle belonging to the group, according to al-Muhallawi. The headquarters and its contents were destroyed on site by burning, the commander said, adding that the method was chosen to prevent the recovered materials from being used again. Al-Muhallawi said operations to pursue remaining ISIS cells and clear desert areas are continuing, and that efforts to strengthen security and stability in the region are ongoing. No further details on casualties or additional seized equipment were immediately available.